At least 21 dead, dozens injured as trains collide in Southern Spain

At least 21 people have died, and dozens were injured after two trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday, authorities said, warning that the death toll could rise.

A Madrid-bound train derailed and crossed onto the opposite track before colliding with an oncoming service in Adamuz, near the city of Córdoba.

Rail operators said about 400 passengers and staff were on board both trains.

Andalusia’s emergency services said at least 24 people were seriously injured, including four children.

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Many of the casualties were in the front carriages of the second train, which was travelling from Madrid to Huelva.

Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, said an investigation had been opened, adding that experts were still trying to understand how the crash occurred.

Rail network operator Adif said the derailment happened around 10 minutes after the train left Málaga at 18:40 local time.

Córdoba fire chief, Francisco Carmona, told Spanish public broadcaster RTVE: “We have even had to remove a dead person to be able to reach someone alive. It is hard, tricky work.”

The collision involved a Freccia 1000 high-speed train, according to a spokesperson for Italian rail company Ferrovie dello Stato.

Rescue teams worked to reach passengers trapped inside damaged carriages, while injured survivors were taken to hospitals and medical posts set up near the site.

Rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended following the crash.

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, said the country will endure a “night of deep pain”.

The mayor of Adamuz, Rafael Moreno, was one of the first people on the scene of the accident, describing it as “a nightmare”.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia said they were following news of the disaster with “with great concern”.

“We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the dead, as well as our love and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured,” the royal palace said on X.

The official cause is not yet known. An investigation is not expected to determine what happened for at least a month, according to the transport minister.

(BBC)