Spain | 19 January 2026

At least 21 people were killed and around 75 others injured after a shocking collision between two high-speed trains in southern Spain on Sunday evening. The tragic accident occurred near the city of Córdoba when a derailed train slammed into another oncoming train, triggering a massive rescue operation. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as assessments continue.

According to initial reports, the tail end of a high-speed train traveling from Málaga to Madrid, carrying nearly 300 passengers, went off the tracks at around 7:45 pm local time. Moments later, it collided with another train coming from Madrid to Huelva with about 200 passengers on board. Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente confirmed after midnight that all survivors had been evacuated, though some victims were still being identified.

Andalusia’s regional president Juanma Moreno said that 75 injured passengers were admitted to nearby hospitals, with at least 15 in serious condition. Regional health chief Antonio Sanz described the situation as extremely challenging, saying emergency teams were facing a “very difficult night” as they worked through the aftermath of the crash.

Officials have called the incident “very strange,” as the section of track had been renovated just months ago, in May. Minister Puente said the derailed train was less than four years old and operated by private company Iryo, while the second train belonged to Spain’s public rail operator Renfe and suffered the heaviest impact at its front. Passengers described the derailment as terrifying, with one journalist onboard saying it felt “like an earthquake,” forcing people to smash windows with emergency hammers to escape the wreckage.

Spain Train Tragedy: 21 Killed as High-Speed Trains Crash Near Córdoba

A deadly accident shook southern Spain on Sunday evening when two high-speed trains collided near Córdoba, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens more. The crash happened after one train suddenly derailed and struck another train coming from the opposite direction. Emergency teams rushed to the scene as shocked passengers waited for help in damaged coaches.

Reports say the first train was traveling from Málaga to Madrid with nearly 300 passengers when its rear coaches went off the tracks around 7:45 pm. Within moments, it crashed into a second train heading from Madrid to Huelva carrying about 200 people. Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente confirmed that all survivors were rescued, but warned that the final death count could still increase.

Andalusia’s regional president Juanma Moreno said 75 injured passengers were taken to hospitals, including 15 who are in serious condition. Health officials described the night as extremely difficult, with doctors and rescue workers working nonstop to treat the injured and identify victims.

The cause of the accident is still unknown, and officials have called it “very strange” as the railway line had been renovated just months ago. One of the trains involved was less than four years old. Passengers said the derailment felt like an earthquake, forcing many to break windows with emergency tools to escape the wreckage.