21 Killed As High-Speed Train Derails And Crashes Into Oncoming Train In Southern Spain, Watch

A deadly train accident in southern Spain on Sunday evening claimed at least 21 lives and left dozens injured after a high-speed train derailed and crashed into another oncoming train.

The incident occurred near Cordoba at around 7:45 pm local time, according to Spanish authorities.

Rail operator Adif said the rear coaches of a train travelling from Malaga to Madrid, carrying about 300 passengers, went off the track and crossed onto the opposite line. The derailed coaches then collided with a train coming from Madrid to Huelva, which had around 200 passengers on board.

Death Toll May Increase, Cause Still Unknown

Spain's Transport Minister Oscar Puente confirmed after midnight that at least 21 people had died in the collision. He said all survivors had been evacuated but warned that the death toll could still rise as officials continue to verify casualties.

Puente described the accident as "unusual" as it took place on a flat stretch of track that was renovated only a few months ago, in May. He also said the train that derailed was less than four years old. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

The derailed train was operated by private rail company Iryo, while the oncoming train involved in the crash belonged to Spain's state-run rail operator Renfe. In a statement, Iryo expressed deep regret over the incident and said it is fully cooperating with authorities.

According to officials, the back section of the first train derailed and crashed into the front of the second train. The impact caused the first two coaches of the Renfe train to be pushed off the tracks and down a four-metre slope. Fire officials said at least four carriages were badly damaged and left mangled.

Andalusia's regional health chief Antonio Sanz said 73 injured passengers were taken to six hospitals across the region. He described the situation at the crash site as very serious and said rescue teams faced a difficult night.

Passengers used emergency hammers to break windows, and some escaped by crawling out of tilted coaches. Videos from the scene showed people climbing through windows as emergency teams worked in low light.

Local Residents and Emergency Teams Step In to Help

The crash happened in an area that is difficult to access, according to regional Civil Protection officials. Hundreds of passengers had to be rescued in the dark. Local residents rushed to the site with blankets and water to assist victims before emergency teams arrived.

Spain's military emergency units, firefighters, medical teams, and the Red Cross were deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her condolences, saying she was following the "terrible news" from Cordoba and extended her sympathy to the families of the victims and the Spanish people. She also wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Following the accident, rail operator Adif announced that train services between Madrid and cities in Andalusia would remain suspended on Monday as investigations and repairs continue.