Spain was plunged into shock on Sunday night after a catastrophic collision between two high-speed trains in the country’s south claimed at least 21 lives and injured nearly 100 others, according to police and state media. The crash occurred near the small town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, turning a routine evening journey into one of the deadliest rail disasters in recent years.

The incident happened shortly after an Iryo-operated train left Córdoba bound for Madrid. Around ten minutes into the journey, the train derailed near Adamuz and crossed onto an adjacent track, directly into the path of a Renfe service travelling from Madrid to Huelva. The violent impact sent multiple carriages off the rails and left wreckage scattered across a remote stretch of countryside.

Spain’s rail infrastructure authority Adif later confirmed the sequence of events in a statement, saying, “The Iryo 6189 Mlaga–Madrid train derailed at Adamuz and crossed onto an adjacent track. The Madrid–Huelva high-speed train travelling on that track also derailed as a result.”

Police confirmed that at least 21 people were killed in the collision, while Spain’s public broadcaster RTVE reported that around 100 passengers were injured, including at least 25 in serious condition. The driver of the Renfe train was among those who lost their lives.

More than 300 passengers were travelling aboard the Iryo train, while the Renfe service carried roughly 100 people. Survivors described moments of terror as the trains jolted violently before plunging into darkness.

Passenger Recalls the Tragedy

A passenger identified as Carmen recounted her experience on social media, writing, “Ten minutes after departing (from Cordoba) the train started to shake a lot, and it derailed from coach 6 behind us. The lights went out.”

Emergency responders faced immense difficulty reaching the crash site, which officials described as hard to access. Firefighters, police, paramedics, military emergency units and Red Cross teams worked through the night, cutting through twisted metal and shattered carriages to reach those trapped inside.

Córdoba’s fire chief Paco Carmona said the damage to the Renfe train was particularly severe. “There are still people trapped. We don’t know how many people have died,” he said. “We have to remove bodies to reach anyone who may still be alive. It is proving to be a very complicated task.”

Hospitals across Andalusia and Madrid were placed on emergency alert as injured passengers were transported for treatment. In Adamuz, a town of around 5,000 residents, a reception centre was quickly established. Local volunteers arrived with blankets, food and hot drinks to support survivors as temperatures dropped overnight.

Transport Minister of Spain:“Impact Was Terrible”

Transport Minister Oscar Puente said he was closely monitoring developments from Adif’s headquarters in Madrid. “The latest information is very serious,” he said on X. “The impact was terrible, causing the first two carriages of the Renfe train to be thrown off the track. The number of victims cannot be confirmed at this time. The most important thing now is to help the victims.”

Rail operator Iryo confirmed that the train involved was a Frecciarossa 1000 model and said it had activated all emergency procedures. In a statement, the company said it “deeply regretted what had happened” and was cooperating fully with authorities. Renfe has not yet released a detailed statement.

Regional officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continued into the early hours of Monday.

“The situation at the crash site is very serious……We have a very difficult night ahead,” said Andalusia’s regional health minister Antonio Sanz.

Spanish Royals Express Deep Concern

The tragedy prompted condolences from across Spain and Europe. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia said, “We are following with great concern the serious accident between two high-speed trains in Adamuz…..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.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed her sympathy, saying, “Tonight you are in my thoughts.”

All high-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended following the crash. Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine what caused the initial derailment, though officials said it was too early to draw conclusions.