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The train has derailed leaving at least 21 dead (Image: @eleanorinthesky (via X)/AFP via)

A high-speed train derailed in Southern Spain on Sunday, jumping on to the track in the opposite direction into an oncoming train, killing at least 21 people.

Officials have said that 21 people on board the train on January 18 have died with more than 100 injured. The train was heading to Madrid from Malaga and went off the rails near Cordoba according to rail operator Adif. It crashed into a train coming from Madrid to Huelva.

According to Spanish media the two vehicles were carrying around 500 passengers. Antonio Sanz, regional health minister for the Andalucia region where the crash happened, said officials told him that they fear the death toll may rise.

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Interior footage from a high-speed train derailment shows passengers waiting to be evacuated in Adamuz, Córdoba, Spain(Image: @X)

The minister added that at least once passenger carriage had rolled down a 13 foot slope in the incident. Chief firefighter of Cordoba, Francisco Carmona, described one of the trains as ‘badly mangled’ as at least four wagons were off the rails.

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Mr Sanz added that it “is very serious” and anticipated a “very difficult night ahead”. The Spanish Royal Family have offered their condolences.

A statement posted on the official X account for the family said: “We are following with great concern the serious accident between two high-speed trains in Adamuz. We extend our deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones of the deceased, as well as our affection and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.”

High-speed trains running between Madrid and Córdoba, Sevilla, Málaga, Granada and Huelva will remain suspended all of Monday, January 19. Following the incident local people are taking blankets and water to the scene to help the victims, according to regional Civil Protection chief Maria Belen Moya Rojas.

Spain’s military emergency relief units joined the deployment of other rescue units. Healthcare officials were also supported by the Red Cross.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X that she was following “the terrible news” from Cordoba. “Tonight you are in my thoughts,” she wrote in Spanish.

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