Spain Train Collision Kills 21, Leaves Dozens Injured

Spain was plunged into mourning after a deadly collision between two high-speed trains in the southern region of Andalusia killed at least 21 people and injured more than 70, authorities said on Monday.

The crash occurred on Sunday evening near the town of Adamuz when a train travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and crossed onto the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming service. Both trains derailed on impact, triggering a major emergency response.

Officials said 73 people were injured, with around 30 taken to hospital in serious condition. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as rescue teams continued working through the wreckage overnight.

Emergency crews faced severe difficulties as twisted carriages trapped passengers inside. Some coaches plunged down a four-metre embankment, further complicating rescue operations. Hundreds of passengers were on board the trains, slowing access for first responders.

Transport officials described the incident as highly unusual, noting that the section of track had been fully renovated and that the derailed train was nearly new. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.

Several rail services linking Madrid with cities in Andalusia were suspended, while assistance centres were set up at major stations to support families of victims. Military emergency units were also deployed to reinforce rescue efforts at the site.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed the nation’s grief, calling the incident a “night of deep pain” and offering condolences to the families of the victims, while wishing the injured a swift recovery. Messages of sympathy also poured in from international leaders.

Spain operates Europe’s largest high-speed rail network, and the collision ranks among the country’s most serious rail disasters in recent decades.