At least 21 people were killed and 75 others injured after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday. The accident occurred near Córdoba when a derailed train slammed into an oncoming service. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as rescue and assessment operations continue.
According to reports, the rear carriages of an evening train travelling from Málaga to Madrid with around 300 passengers derailed at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time and struck another train carrying nearly 200 passengers from Madrid to Huelva.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
Spain’s Transport Minister, Raquel Puente, confirmed that all survivors had been removed from the wreckage and 21 deaths had been recorded, though he cautioned that more victims could still be identified. Andalusia regional President Juanma Moreno stated that 75 injured passengers were admitted to hospitals, including 15 in serious condition. Andalusia’s regional health chief, Antonio Sanz, described the situation as “a very difficult night ahead.”
Cause of the Crash Under Investigation
Officials described the incident as “very strange.” Puente noted that the crash occurred on a section of track renovated in May, and that the derailed train was less than four years old, operated by private company Iryo. The second train, operated by state-owned Renfe, suffered the heaviest impact at its front section.
Passengers Describe ‘Earthquake-Like’ Impact
Passengers said the derailment felt like an earthquake. A Spanish journalist on board reported that windows were smashed with emergency hammers as passengers evacuated the derailed carriages. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision and the extent of casualties.
