39 dead, more than 150 injured in Spanish high speed train crash

At least 39 people were killed and around 152 others injured after a high-speed passenger train derailed, crossed onto the opposite track and collided with an oncoming train on Sunday evening in southern Spain , officials said.

The accident occurred near Adamuz, close to Córdoba , in the Andalusia region, involving a high-speed service travelling from Málaga to Madrid and another train heading from Madrid to Huelva , according to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif .

Spanish media reported that the two trains were carrying approximately 500 passengers at the time of the crash.

Andalusia’s regional health minister Antonio Sanz confirmed the revised death toll on Monday, saying rescue and recovery operations overnight led to the discovery of additional victims. Dozens of the injured remain in hospital, with several reported to be in serious condition. The injured were taken to multiple hospitals across the region .

The crash happened during the evening hours , though authorities have not released an exact time. Investigators said the Málaga-Madrid train derailed at high speed , jumped onto the opposite track and struck the oncoming service. The exact cause of the derailment remains under investigation, and officials have not yet identified whether technical failure, signalling issues or track conditions played a role.

Emergency responders said at least four carriages derailed , with one carriage tumbling down a four-metre embankment . The crash site is located in a difficult-to-access rural area, complicating rescue efforts.

Spain’s military emergency relief units , regional fire services and medical teams were deployed, while the Red Cross assisted with emergency care and logistics. Local residents also brought blankets and water to survivors.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed condolences, saying she was following “the terrible news” from Córdoba and offered support to the victims and their families.

Adif said rail services between Madrid and several Andalusian cities were suspended on Monday as investigators examined the scene and crews worked to clear debris.

Spain operates one of Europe’s largest high-speed rail networks, and rail travel is widely regarded as a safe and popular mode of transport in the country.