21 killed, 100 injured in high-speed train collision in Spain
- At least 21 killed and 100 injured after high-speed trains collide in southern Spain.
- Train services suspended between major southern cities as emergency teams respond.
At least 21 people were killed and 100 others injured on Sunday evening in southern Spain when two high-speed trains collided, local police and civil guard officials told AFP and Reuters.
Emergency response and casualties
Emergency services in Andalusia reported 25 people seriously injured in the collision, which involved hundreds of passengers. Some riders remained trapped in the train cars as rescue teams worked to free them. Five intensive care units and multiple firefighting teams were deployed, according to regional authorities.
Incident details
A train operated by IRIO, traveling from Malaga to Madrid, derailed near Adamuz, about 190 kilometers north of Malaga, and veered onto an adjacent track, colliding with a second train operated by Spain’s national rail company, Renfe, which also derailed. The IRIO train was carrying more than 300 passengers, while the Renfe train had over 100 aboard.
Passengers described the crash as “like an earthquake,” with some using emergency hammers to break windows and escape.
Government and royal response
Spain’s royal family expressed deep concern over the “serious accident” and extended condolences to victims’ families. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to assist passengers.
Impact on train services
Spanish rail network ADIF announced on X that high-speed train services between Madrid and Cordoba, Seville, Malaga, and Huelva would be suspended at least through Monday, January 19, as investigations continue.
