A collision between two high-speed trains in southern Spain late Sunday has killed at least 39 people and injured more than 120, making it the sixth-deadliest rail incident in Europe since 2000, according to an AFP recap. Spain’s transport minister warned Monday that the toll could still rise.

Here’s a look back at the other worst rail disasters of the past quarter-century:

Greece (2023): 57 Killed

On February 28, 2023, at least 57 people were killed and 180 injured when two trains collided near Larissa, shortly before midnight.

Many victims were young students returning from a long weekend. AFP reported the passenger train collided near Tempe, in central Greece, after the two trains were allowed to run on the same track for 19 minutes.

A trial is set to open on March 23 next year for 36 people, including railway executives and the stationmaster on duty the night of the crash. They face charges including involuntary manslaughter and negligence, with potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison.

Spain (2013): 80 Killed

On July 24, 2013, a train carrying 222 people derailed near Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain, killing 80 and injuring more than 140 — Spain’s worst train crash since 1944.

An inquiry found the train was travelling at twice the speed limit on that stretch of track, and said the derailment followed a lapse in attention by the driver, who had ended a phone call with the on-board conductor moments before the train left the rails.
In 2024, a driver and a safety director were sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison over the crash.

Montenegro (2006): 47 killed

On January 23, 2006, a train plunged into a canyon of the Moraca River, about 15 kilometres north of Podgorica, killing 47 passengers and injuring 234.

The driver was found guilty of failing to activate the brake mechanism at a train stop.

Ukraine (2010): 45 Killed

On October 12, 2010, 45 people were killed when a train collided with a bus in Marganets, in eastern-central Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities accused the bus driver — who was killed — of driving onto the crossing despite a red light and passengers’ screams.

Turkey (2004): 41 Killed

On July 22, 2004, 41 people were killed and 80 injured after a high-speed train derailed in the northwestern province of Sakarya.

AFP described it as Turkey’s worst rail disaster in recent history.