A devastating crash involving two high-speed passenger trains has occurred in southern Spain, killing at least 39 people and injuring many more. The collision happened on Sunday evening near Adamuz, in Córdoba province, when a high-speed train travelling from Málaga to Madrid suddenly derailed on a straight stretch of track and struck an oncoming train headed from Madrid to Huelva. The force of the impact caused several carriages of both trains to derail, with some falling down an embankment.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, treating scores of injured passengers and transporting many to hospitals. Among the injured, dozens were reported in serious condition, and some remained in intensive care. Rescue workers continued to search for survivors amid the wreckage as authorities warned the death toll could still rise.

Spanish officials described the accident as “tremendously strange” because it occurred on a flat section of track that had been recently renovated and was expected to be safe. Early investigations have largely ruled out human error, with focus turning to possible infrastructure or mechanical issues.