Madrid/Andalusia: Spain was plunged into mourning on Monday after a devastating collision between two high-speed trains in the southern region of Andalusia claimed the lives of at least 21 people and left more than 70 injured, several critically. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the tragedy as a “night of deep pain” for the nation.
The accident occurred on Sunday evening near Adamuz, when a high-speed service travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed on a straight stretch of track, crossed over to the opposite line and crashed into an oncoming train, causing both trains to derail, according to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif.
A police spokesperson confirmed 21 fatalities, while Andalusia’s top emergency official Antonio Sanz told reporters that at least 73 people were injured, warning that the death toll could rise.
“The situation is likely to see the number of fatalities increase,” Sanz said. “A very complicated night awaits us.”
Rescue Efforts Hampered by Twisted Wreckage
Transport Minister Óscar Puente said around 30 passengers were hospitalised in serious condition, adding that all the injured had been evacuated for medical treatment. He described the accident as “extremely strange”, noting that the section of track had been completely renovated and that the first train to derail was “practically new.”
Rail operator Iryo confirmed that approximately 300 passengers were on board the Malaga–Madrid service at the time of the crash.
Emergency responders faced enormous challenges at the scene, where twisted metal and overturned carriages trapped passengers inside.
“The problem is that the carriages are twisted, so the metal is twisted with the people inside,” said Francisco Carmona, head of firefighters in Córdoba.
“We have even had to remove a dead person to be able to reach someone alive. It is hard, tricky work.”
Some carriages reportedly plunged four metres down an embankment, complicating rescue operations further.
‘Like a Horror Movie’: Survivors Recount Ordeal
Passengers described moments of terror as the collision unfolded.
Montse, a passenger on the second train bound for Huelva, told Spanish public television that the train came to an abrupt halt after a violent jolt.
“Everything went dark,” she said. “Luggage was flying, people were thrown around. The attendant behind me hit her head and was bleeding. There were children crying.”
She added, “I was in the last carriage. I feel like I was given a second chance at life.”
Another survivor, Lucas Meriako, who was on the first train, described the scene as resembling a disaster film.
“This looks like a horror movie,” he told La Sexta television. “We felt a very strong hit from behind, glass shattered everywhere, and many people were injured.”
Rail Services Suspended, Support Centres Opened
Following the crash, high-speed rail services between Madrid and the Andalusian cities of Córdoba, Seville, Malaga and Huelva were suspended for the entire day on Monday, Adif announced.
Support centres were set up at major railway stations in Madrid, Seville, Córdoba, Malaga and Huelva to assist families of victims and stranded passengers.
Spain’s defence ministry said it deployed around 40 members of its emergency military unit, along with 15 vehicles, to assist rescue and recovery operations.
Nation and World Leaders Express Condolences
Prime Minister Sánchez expressed condolences to the victims and their families, saying the entire country stood with them in their grief.
“No words can alleviate such great suffering,” he wrote on X, “but Spain is by your side in this painful moment.”
Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia said they were following developments with “great concern” and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, while wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Messages of sympathy also poured in from international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
A Rare Tragedy on Europe’s Largest High-Speed Network
Spain operates Europe’s largest high-speed rail network, spanning more than 3,000 kilometres, connecting major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia and Malaga.
The country’s last major high-speed rail disaster occurred in 2013, when a derailment near Santiago de Compostela killed 80 people and injured more than 140, marking Spain’s deadliest rail tragedy since 1944.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into Sunday’s crash as the nation seeks answers amid grief and shock.