At least 21 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a collision involving two high-speed trains in southern Spain, authorities have confirmed.
The crash occurred on Sunday evening near the town of Adamuz, close to the city of Córdoba. According to rail authorities, a high-speed train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and crossed onto a neighbouring track, where it collided with a second train travelling from Madrid to Huelva. Both trains subsequently derailed.
Emergency services in Andalusia said at least 25 people were seriously injured, with many others treated for minor injuries. The incident happened around ten minutes after the Málaga-bound train departed at 18:40 local time.
The private rail operator running the Málaga service said around 300 passengers were on board. All high-speed rail services between Madrid and southern Spain were suspended following the crash. Rail authorities later confirmed that routes linking Madrid with Córdoba, Seville, Málaga and Huelva would remain suspended throughout Monday to allow rescue operations and investigations to continue.
Passengers have begun sharing accounts of the moments before the derailment. One passenger said the train began “shaking a lot” roughly ten minutes after leaving the previous station, before derailing from the rear carriages. She said the power went out and that train staff evacuated passengers in an orderly manner. Evacuees were later taken to a sports centre in Adamuz.
A journalist travelling on one of the trains said the derailment felt like an earthquake. He said some passengers were able to walk away without serious injuries, while others helped break windows to allow people to escape.
Spain’s royal household said King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were following developments with great concern and extended condolences to the families of those killed, as well as wishes for a swift recovery for the injured. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government was working closely with emergency services to assist those affected, while the president of the Andalusian regional government expressed solidarity with victims and their families.
Rail officials said the suspension of services was necessary to ensure safety and allow full technical inspections of the track and trains involved. An investigation into the cause of the derailment and subsequent collision is under way.
The incident is among the deadliest rail accidents in Spain in recent years and has prompted a nationwide response, with transport authorities urging passengers to seek alternative travel arrangements while services remain suspended.