Spain was struck by a major rail disaster after two high-speed trains collided late Sunday, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 70 in what officials described as an “extremely strange” accident. The crash occurred near the town of Adamuz in southern Spain, prompting a large-scale emergency response and nationwide expressions of grief.

According to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif, a high-speed service travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and crossed onto an adjacent track, where it collided with an oncoming train bound for Huelva. Both trains subsequently derailed, leaving carriages twisted and some plunging down a four-metre embankment. Rail operator Iryo said around 300 passengers were on board the Malaga–Madrid service alone.

Authorities confirmed that 21 people lost their lives in the collision, while at least 73 others were injured. Transport Minister Oscar Puente said 30 of the injured were taken to hospital in serious condition and confirmed that all passengers had been evacuated from the wreckage. Andalusia’s top emergency official, Antonio Sanz, warned that the death toll could rise, describing rescue operations as complex and dangerous.

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Emergency workers faced severe challenges at the site, with firefighters reporting that mangled metal and crushed carriages made access to survivors difficult. Rescue teams were forced to cut through twisted train cars, at times having to remove bodies to reach those still alive. Survivors described scenes of panic, darkness and flying debris, with several passengers comparing the aftermath to a “horror movie”.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the incident a “night of deep pain” for the country and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also conveyed their sympathies, while international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, offered messages of support.

High-speed rail services linking Madrid with major Andalusian cities, including Seville, Cordoba and Malaga, were suspended for at least Monday. Spain, which operates Europe’s largest high-speed rail network, has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with officials noting that the accident occurred on a recently renovated, straight stretch of track, deepening concerns over rail safety.

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