A catastrophic collision between two high-speed trains near Cordoba in southern Spain has claimed at least 21 lives, with over 70 passengers injured in what officials are calling a night of profound tragedy. The accident unfolded late Sunday in the Adamuz area, roughly 20 kilometers from Cordoba, shattering the routine of a busy rail corridor.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente confirmed the grim toll on Monday, noting that 30 of the injured remain in critical condition and are receiving urgent care in nearby hospitals. The first train, carrying 317 passengers from Malaga to Madrid, derailed for reasons yet under investigation before slamming into an oncoming service bound for Huelva from Madrid. The impact was devastating: the rear two carriages of the Malaga train collided head-on with the front two of the Huelva service, derailing multiple coaches and mangling metal across the tracks.
Emergency responders from Andalusia’s services raced to the scene, joined by local residents who ferried the walking wounded to aid centers for immediate treatment. Spain’s military emergency unit was deployed to bolster the rescue efforts, which stretched into the early hours. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his heartbreak on social media platform X, describing it as ‘an excruciating night for Spain,’ while the royal family issued a message of condolence.
Rail services on the affected lines are suspended at least until Tuesday, disrupting thousands of travelers. Adif, the state railway operator, has set up information centers at Madrid’s Atocha station, Malaga, and Huelva, alongside a dedicated helpline for families seeking updates. As recovery operations continue, fears mount that the death toll could rise, prompting urgent calls for a thorough probe into the cause.
This disaster evokes memories of Spain’s deadliest rail accident in July 2013, when a train oversped into a curve near Santiago de Compostela, killing 79. Authorities are now racing to prevent history from repeating, with the nation united in grief and demands for answers.