At least 39 people have been killed in a high-speed train crash in southern Spain, although authorities have cautioned that the death toll may rise as rescue and identification efforts continue.
The accident occurred on Sunday at 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT) near the town of Adamuz in the province of Córdoba. A train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and crossed onto the opposite track, where it collided with an oncoming train.
Most of those killed and injured were travelling in the front carriages of the second train, which was heading south from Madrid to Huelva.
Emergency services confirmed that 112 people received medical treatment following the crash. Forty-eight victims remain hospitalized, including five children, while 11 patients are currently in intensive care.
Approximately 300 passengers and staff were on board the high-speed train operated by Iryo that derailed. The second train, operated by the state-funded company Renfe, was carrying around 100 people.
Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated that the crash occurred on a straight section of the track, describing the incident as “extremely strange.” He added that railway experts consulted by the government remain deeply puzzled by the circumstances of the derailment.
The cause of the derailment has not yet been determined. Authorities have launched a formal investigation, though officials say it may take at least a month before clear conclusions are reached.
The Andalusian Emergency Agency has urged crash survivors to contact their families or post updates on social media to reassure relatives and reduce pressure on emergency communication lines.
Miguel Ángel Rodríguez of the Spanish Red Cross said families of passengers are experiencing intense anxiety due to the lack of information, describing the situation as extremely distressing.
The European Commission has expressed readiness to provide assistance if requested. The EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management confirmed that the bloc’s emergency response centre is in contact with Spanish authorities.
Survivors described the impact as sudden and violent. One passenger said the collision felt like an earthquake, adding that panic spread quickly through the carriages as people shouted for medical help.
Emergency responders and forensic teams continue to work at the crash site, assessing damage and gathering evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.