Train collision in Spain kills 21

Spain reeled from a collision between two high-speed trains in the southern region of Andalusia that killed 21 people and injured more than 70, with the prime minister lamenting a “night of deep pain.”

The disaster struck on Sunday evening when a service travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed near Adamuz, crossing onto the other track and crashing into an oncoming train, which also derailed. Spain’s Adif rail network operator posted on X.

A police spokesperson told AFP 21 people had died. Antonio Sanz, the top emergencies official in Andalusia, told a press conference that at least 73 people had been injured.

“The situation is likely to see the death toll increase,” he said, adding that “a very complicated night awaits us.”

Transport Minister Oscar Puente told reporters that 30 people were rushed to the hospital in serious condition, adding that all the injured had been evacuated to receive care.

The disaster took place on a straight part of the track, which was completely renovated, Puente said, adding that the first train to derail was “practically new,” making the accident “extremely strange.”

Rail operator Iryo said around 300 people were on board its Malaga-Madrid service.