Train Derailment in Spain Kills 21, Injures Scores Near Adamuz

Two high-speed trains crashed in southern Spain on Sunday evening after one derailed and crossed onto the opposite track. The accident near Adamuz in Andalusia province killed at least 21 people and injured more than 100 others. It happened around 7:39 p.m. local time when a train from Malaga to Madrid went off the rails shortly after leaving the Córdoba-Julio Anguita station. That train slammed into another coming from Madrid to Huelva. Rescue teams worked through the night in a hard-to-reach rural area.

Background

High-speed rail lines connect major Spanish cities like Madrid and Malaga with stops along the way. The trains involved belonged to different operators. The one from Malaga carried about 300 passengers under Iryo, a private company. The other train headed to Huelva, a port city in the southwest. Both were on parallel tracks in Cordoba province, part of Andalusia. Adamuz sits in a hilly area about 60 kilometers northwest of Cordoba city. The line there includes switches to manage track changes, and the derailment happened as the first train passed one.

Rail travel has grown popular in Spain for its speed and comfort. These trains reach up to 300 kilometers per hour on straight sections. Sunday's crash marks one of the worst rail accidents in the country in recent years. Past incidents, like the 2013 Santiago de Compostela derailment that killed 79, raised questions about track safety and speed limits. Families often use these routes for weekend trips between cities. On this evening, passengers included locals heading home and visitors returning from coastal areas.

Local residents rushed to help right after hearing the crash. They brought blankets, water, and food to those waiting for medical aid. The remote spot made it tough for ambulances and fire trucks to arrive quickly. Narrow roads wind through the countryside there, slowing down heavy equipment.

Key Details

The Malaga-Madrid train had just stopped at Córdoba-Julio Anguita station. It carried at least 317 passengers when it derailed while crossing a railroad switch. Several cars jumped the tracks and ended up on the path of the oncoming Huelva-bound train. That second train also derailed on impact. One confirmed death was the driver of the second train.

Injury and Rescue Efforts

Officials reported 21 deaths so far, with fears the number could climb. Over 100 people suffered injuries, including at least 25 in serious condition. Emergency services from across Andalusia responded. Helicopters airlifted some victims to hospitals in Cordoba and Malaga. Ground crews treated others on site. The regional Civil Protection chief described the scene as chaotic but said locals provided key early support.

"The accident happened in an area that is hard to reach. Local people were taking blankets and water to the scene to help the victims."

• María Belén Moya Rojas, regional Civil Protection chief

Spain's Civil Guard and rail operator ADIF led the response. They suspended all high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusia cities for Monday, January 19. This affects lines to Seville, Malaga, and other spots. Replacement buses were not immediately available due to the late hour and distance.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia issued a statement late Sunday. They said they followed the news with great concern and offered condolences to families. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also commented, saying those affected were in her thoughts.

No word yet on what caused the derailment. Investigators from the Civil Guard started work at dawn Monday. They will check the switch, track conditions, and train signals. Weather was clear that evening, with no rain or fog reported.

What This Means

Rail disruptions will last at least through Monday. Travelers planning trips from Madrid to southern Spain face long delays. Bus services may fill up fast, and driving on highways could see more traffic. Airports in Malaga and Seville might handle extra passengers switching from trains.

For families of those on board, the wait for news continues. Hospitals in the area prepared for mass casualties, canceling routine care to focus on crash victims. Blood drives started in Cordoba to meet demand.

This crash highlights risks on high-speed lines, even in a country with modern infrastructure. Past accidents led to safety upgrades, like better brakes and monitoring systems. Officials may review switches and maintenance records soon. The private operator Iryo faces questions about its trains' performance.

Communities in Adamuz and nearby towns pulled together overnight. Volunteers set up aid stations with hot drinks and clothes. Schools and businesses planned to open donation points Monday. National leaders called for a full probe to prevent repeats.

Recovery teams cleared wreckage slowly due to the terrain. Full track access might take days. Passenger lists helped notify next of kin, but some phones went unanswered. Support hotlines opened for worried relatives.

Spain's rail network carries millions yearly. This event disrupts daily life for many in Andalusia. Workers commuting to Madrid or tourists heading south now seek other options. Insurance claims and compensation talks will follow once identities are confirmed.

The human cost stands out most. Parents, workers, and friends lost lives in seconds. Survivors face long hospital stays and therapy. Memorials may form soon at the station and crash site.