A deadly collision between two high-speed trains in southern Spain has left at least 21 people dead and more than 100 injured, after one train derailed and crashed into another on an adjacent track on Sunday evening, officials confirmed.
The accident occurred near Adamuz in Córdoba province when an Iryo high-speed train travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed at around 6:40pm local time, shortly after leaving Córdoba. The derailed train struck a Renfe-operated train heading from Madrid to Huelva, forcing it off the tracks.
Spanish rail network operator Adif said the derailment caused both trains to leave the tracks, triggering a major emergency response. Police sources confirmed at least 21 fatalities, while state broadcaster TVE reported around 100 injured, including 25 in critical condition.
The driver of one of the trains was among those killed, according to TVE.
Emergency crews described the scene as “horrific”, with mangled metal, overturned carriages, and passengers trapped inside. Córdoba fire chief Paco Carmona said rescue teams were still working to free people from narrow, crushed compartments, adding that bodies had to be removed to reach survivors.
More than 300 passengers were on board the Iryo train, while around 100 passengers were travelling on the Renfe service. Survivors reported violent shaking moments before the derailment, followed by darkness as power was cut.
Footage shared by passengers showed staff instructing people to remain calm, conserve phone batteries, and assist others with first aid. Some passengers used emergency hammers to break windows and escape from overturned carriages.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente said he was monitoring the situation closely from Adif’s headquarters, calling the latest updates “very serious” and stressing that helping victims was the top priority.
Rail services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended as authorities investigate the cause of the crash.