A tragic high-speed train collision in southern Spain on Sunday evening has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people and left dozens more injured. The devastating incident occurred near the town of Adamuz, close to the city of Cordoba, disrupting rail services and drawing widespread concern from authorities and the public.

The catastrophe unfolded approximately ten minutes after a high-speed train, operated by private rail company Iryo, departed Malaga at 18:40 local time (17:40 GMT) en route to Madrid. According to Adif, Spain’s rail network operator, this train derailed and crashed onto an adjacent track. Simultaneously, a second high-speed train traveling in the opposite direction, from Madrid to Huelva, also derailed after being struck by the first train.

Andalusian emergency services reported that at least 25 individuals sustained serious injuries, with many others suffering minor wounds. Reports from the country’s state-owned broadcaster indicated that a total of 100 people had been injured, 25 of them seriously. Footage from the scene showed emergency workers, medical crews, and fire services actively engaged in rescue efforts. One witness described one of the carriages of the first train as being completely overturned.

Passengers on board described the terrifying moments of the crash. Salvador Jimenez, a journalist with RTVE who was in the first carriage of one of the trains, recounted feeling "like an earthquake" as the train derailed. He noted that calls were immediately made for health service personnel to assist, and passengers resorted to using hammers to break windows to facilitate escape before being evacuated. Another passenger, Carmen, who was on the Iryo train to Madrid, posted on X that "Ten minutes after departing (from Córdoba) the train started to shake a lot, and it derailed from coach 6 behind us. The lights went out." An Iryo staffer was seen in footage instructing passengers to remain in their seats, ensuring first aid trained individuals kept watch, and emphasizing that the safest place for the moment was on the train, while urging them to conserve mobile phone batteries for torches during disembarkation. Reports from other carriages mentioned smoke and calls for doctors.

Around 300 passengers were believed to be on the Malaga-bound Iryo train, with Spanish media estimating a total of 400 people across both trains. Following the accident, Adif immediately suspended all rail services between Madrid and Andalusia. The Spanish interior ministry confirmed the death toll, and King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their profound concern and offered "most heartfelt condolences" to the victims' families, wishing a swift recovery to the injured.

Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, stated he was "closely monitoring" the situation and affirmed the government's commitment to working with emergency services to aid those affected. Juanma Moreno, the Andalusian regional president, conveyed his concern and support for the victims and their families. Additionally, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Madrid region, announced that Madrid hospitals were available to assist the Andalucía region if needed. Iryo, an Italian-run private rail operator, confirmed the derailment but did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.