21 killed in southern Spain high-speed train collision

At least 21 people were killed and dozens injured after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain, triggering a major rail disaster.

Spanish authorities confirmed that at least 21 people were killed and dozens injured when two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain. Fifteen of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

Transport Minister Óscar Puente said at a news conference that the cause of the crash remains unknown, describing it as unusual for a derailment to occur on a straight stretch of track. An official investigation has been launched.

Authorities said one high-speed train derailed and then struck another train coming from the opposite direction. The impact was severe, scattering debris and complicating rescue efforts.

Around 400 passengers were travelling on the two trains, most of them Spanish nationals. Survivors described scenes of panic as carriages shook violently and passengers screamed.

Officials warned the death toll could rise as search teams continue to examine the wreckage. The scale of the crash has shocked the country, given Spain’s extensive modern rail network.

Spain operates one of Europe’s largest high-speed rail systems, widely regarded as safe, making fatal accidents on these routes relatively rare.

Past rail disasters, including the 2013 Santiago de Compostela derailment, led to tighter safety oversight. Investigators are now reviewing signaling systems, speed data and maintenance records.

El País reported that the 27-year-old driver of the Madrid-to-Huelva train was among those killed. Passengers said fear and confusion spread rapidly after the collision.

Authorities pledged transparency in the investigation and support for victims’ families as Spain mourns one of its deadliest train accidents in years.

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