At least 21 dead and over 100 injured after high-speed trains collide in southern Spain

The death toll is likely to rise as dozens were trapped in the ‘tragic railway accident’ as a train on it’s way to Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming high-speed train

At least 21 people have died after high-speed train derailed in southern Spain and collided head on with an oncoming train. The vehicle jumped on to the opposite track on Sunday, January 18.

Officials have announced that 21 people have died with over 100 injured, as it is feared the death toll could rise. The train was travelling from Malaga to Madrid and went off the rails near Cordoba according to rail operator Adif.

The oncoming train was coming from Madrid to Huelva. It is believed that there were around 500 passengers on the two vehicles. Regional health minister for for the Andalucia region where the crash happened, said that at least once passenger carriage had rolled down a 13 foot slope in the incident.

Spain’s Minister of Transport Óscar Puente addressed the nation and said: “The first two carriages of the Alvia train were derailed, and that caused most of the fatalities and injuries.” It has been confirmed that 75 people have been hospitalised, with 15 of them classed as being in a critical or serious condition.

Chief firefighter of Cordoba, Francisco Carmona, described one of the trains as ‘badly mangled’ as at least four wagons were off the rails. The Spanish Royal Family have offered their condolences.

A statement posted on the official X account for the family said: “We are following with great concern the serious accident between two high-speed trains in Adamuz. We extend our deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones of the deceased, as well as our affection and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.”

High-speed trains will not run on Monday, January 19 between Madrid and Córdoba, Sevilla, Málaga, Granada and Huelva. Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has addressed the ‘tragic railway accident’ and offered his condolences.

Sánchez posted on X: “Tonight is a night of deep pain for our country due to the tragic railway accident in Adamuz. I want to express my most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

“No words can alleviate such immense suffering, but I want them to know that the entire country stands with them in this extremely difficult moment. All emergency services are working in a coordinated manner without rest.”

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