At least 21 people were killed and 75 others injured after a deadly collision involving two high-speed trains in southern Spain, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The accident occurred near C&oacute;rdoba when a derailed passenger train slammed into an oncoming service, triggering one of the country&rsquo;s worst rail disasters in recent years.
According to initial reports, the rear section of an evening train travelling from Malaga to Madrid, carrying around 300 passengers, derailed at approximately 7:45 pm local time. Moments later, it collided with another train heading from Madrid to Huelva with about 200 passengers onboard.
Spain&rsquo;s Transport Minister &Oacute;scar Puente confirmed that all survivors had been rescued by midnight but warned that the death toll could still rise as identification efforts continue. Andalusia&rsquo;s regional government stated that 75 injured passengers were taken to hospitals, including 15 in serious condition.
Emergency services described the night as extremely challenging as medical teams, firefighters, and rescue workers worked through the wreckage. The cause of the accident remains unclear and is under investigation.
Officials have described the incident as highly unusual, noting that the stretch of track where the derailment occurred was renovated in May. The derailed train was reportedly less than four years old and operated by private rail company Iryo, while the second train belonged to Spain&rsquo;s public operator Renfe and sustained severe damage at its front section.
Passengers described the derailment as sudden and violent, with many evacuating by breaking windows using emergency tools before rescue teams arrived.
Authorities have launched a full technical inquiry to determine the cause of the crash as Spain mourns the victims of the tragedy.

Derailed Malaga–Madrid train collides with oncoming service near Córdoba

21 Killed, 75 Injured in Spain Train Crash

Derailed Malaga–Madrid train collides with oncoming service near Córdoba

January 19, 2026 | 04:09 IST