21 killed in collision between two high-speed trains in Spain

At least 21 people have been killed and more than 70 injured in a catastrophic high-speed train collision in southern Spain. The accident occurred on Sunday evening local time, authorities confirmed, sending shockwaves across the country.

According to Spain’s emergency services, the tragedy unfolded near the town of Adamuz when a train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and veered onto the opposite track. It collided head-on with another high-speed train travelling in the opposite direction, causing both trains to derail.

Initial reports from local police cited five fatalities, but the death toll later rose to 21 as rescue operations progressed. Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s regional emergency services, reported that at least 73 people were injured, though media sources suggest that many passengers were trapped in the carriages, potentially raising the number of casualties to around 100.

Francisco Carmona, head of the Córdoba Fire Service, described the scene to state broadcaster RTVE: “The carriages have been crushed and twisted. People are trapped inside. To rescue them, sometimes we have to move deceased individuals to create space. It is extremely difficult and hazardous work.”

Eyewitnesses reported harrowing scenes. One passenger described a carriage of the first train completely overturned. Rescue personnel, including doctors and firefighters, were seen working frantically at the site. A journalist aboard one of the trains likened the collision to an earthquake, noting that passengers attempted to escape by breaking windows with emergency hammers.

Lucas Meriako, a passenger on the first train, told La Sexta television: “It felt like a horror movie. A tremendous jolt hit from behind, and it seemed as if the entire train was collapsing. Many people were injured by shattered glass.”

According to Spanish media, approximately 400 passengers were on board the two trains combined.

The accident has disrupted high-speed rail services connecting Madrid, Seville, Córdoba, Málaga, and Huelva, with operators Adif confirming that lines would remain closed at least through Monday. Special arrangements have been made at stations along the affected routes to assist families and relatives of the passengers.

Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their “deep sorrow” over the incident on X (formerly Twitter), offering condolences to the families of those affected and wishing a swift recovery for the injured.

Spain’s high-speed rail network, the largest in Europe, spans nearly 3,000 kilometres and links the country’s major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Málaga via dedicated tracks.