21 Killed in High-Speed Train Collision in Spain

At least 21 people have been killed and more than 70 injured after a catastrophic collision between two high-speed trains in southern Spain. The accident occurred on Sunday evening near the town of Adamuz, authorities confirmed.

According to Spain’s railway operator, ADIF, a train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and veered onto the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming high-speed service. Both trains subsequently derailed, causing extensive damage to several carriages.

Initial reports from police suggested that five people had died, but that number has since risen to 21. Antonio Sanz, head of Andalusia’s emergency services, confirmed that at least 73 people were injured. However, Spanish media outlets have reported that many passengers remained trapped in the wreckage, potentially raising the number of casualties to 100.

Francisco Carmona, chief of the Córdoba fire service, described the rescue operation to state broadcaster RTVE as “extremely challenging and dangerous.” He explained that the carriages were mangled, with twisted metal trapping victims inside. “In order to free those trapped, we sometimes have to move deceased individuals to create access. It is delicate and risky work,” he said.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos. One passenger described a carriage being completely overturned, while television footage showed medical teams and firefighters working frantically at the site. A journalist aboard one of the trains described the collision as feeling “like an earthquake,” with passengers attempting to break windows with hammers to escape.

Passengers described the aftermath as akin to a “horror movie.” Lucas Meriaco, a survivor from the first train, told La Sexta TV: “The whole thing felt like a horror film. There was a violent impact from behind, and it felt as if the entire train was collapsing. Many were injured by flying glass.”

Around 400 passengers were reportedly aboard both trains. ADIF has suspended high-speed services on the routes connecting Madrid, Seville, Córdoba, Málaga, and Huelva at least until Monday, while special arrangements have been made to assist victims’ families.

The Spanish Royal Palace issued a statement via X, saying that King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed “deep sorrow” over the accident, extending condolences to the victims’ families and wishing the injured a swift recovery.

Spain’s high-speed rail network, spanning approximately 3,000 kilometres, is the largest in Europe, linking major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Málaga.