A deadly train collision in southern Spain has left at least 21 people dead and dozens injured. The accident happened on Sunday evening near Adamuz in the Cordoba province. The area lies about 360 kilometers south of Madrid.
According to police sources, a high-speed train derailed and crashed into an oncoming train. The impact pushed the second train off the tracks. It then slid down a railway embankment. Emergency teams rushed to the scene shortly after the crash.
Regional officials said 75 people were taken to hospitals. Fifteen of them remain in serious condition. Andalucia’s regional government chief, Juanma Moreno, warned that the death toll could rise. He said rescue teams may find more victims as debris is cleared.
Moreno described the force of the crash as extremely strong. He said heavy machinery would be needed to remove twisted metal. This work is required to reach trapped passengers and possible victims. Rescue operations continued through the night.
Reports said around 400 passengers were traveling on the two trains. Most were Spanish citizens returning to or leaving Madrid after the weekend. January is not peak tourist season in Spain, so the number of foreign passengers remains unclear.
Local media reported that the driver of the Madrid-to-Huelva train was among the dead. He was 27 years old. Passengers described scenes of panic and fear inside the carriages. Bags fell from shelves, and people screamed after the impact.
One train was operated by Iryo and traveled from Malaga to Madrid. It derailed first and crossed into the adjacent track. The second train, run by state operator Renfe, was heading from Madrid to Huelva. It was traveling at about 200 kilometers per hour when struck.
Officials said most casualties were in the first two carriages of the Renfe train. These carriages derailed and plunged down the embankment. Rescue workers said several people were still trapped inside damaged sections.
Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente said the cause of the crash is unknown. He called the derailment unusual because it happened on a straight section of track. The railway line had been renewed only months earlier.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cleared his schedule to respond to the tragedy. The King and Queen were also briefed on developments. Rail services between Madrid and Andalucia have been suspended.
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As Spain mourns the victims, rescue teams continue their difficult work. Authorities said operations will continue until all passengers are accounted for.
