Spain train derailment injures 21

By Alyssa McMurtry

MADRID (AA) - Heavy rains caused a train traveling from Malaga to Seville in southern Spain to derail mid-Wednesday morning, leaving 21 injured and one passenger in serious condition, according to Andalusian emergency services.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, service on that stretch of the line was suspended due to “adverse weather conditions” but was resumed approximately an hour later.

One hour after the rail operator lifted the suspension, the derailment occurred and that part of the train tracks was again closed.

Images posted on social media by passengers show the train tracks covered with mud and water. The images also showed at least one carriage derailed, but did not flip over.

The president of Andalusia, Susan Diaz, has asked the train company for explanations as to why the service was authorized to travel in a zone which had been affected by heavy rain.