Two high-speed trains derailed in southern Spain on Sunday, resulting in a collision that left at least 21 people dead, according to police sources. The incident occurred when one train crashed into another that was coming towards it, causing the second train to be pushed off the tracks and tumble down an embankment. Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente spoke to reporters at Atocha station in Madrid, expressing surprise that the derailment occurred on a straight section of track, which had been renewed in May. This tragic event took place near Adamuz in Cordoba province, located about 360 kilometers (223 miles) south of Madrid. A regional health official reported that 18 injured passengers were taken to the hospital, with some suffering from life-threatening injuries. State broadcaster Television Española indicated that one train driver, who was traveling from Madrid to Huelva, was among the deceased. Overall, about 100 people sustained injuries, with 25 of them classified as serious. Adif, the company managing the rail network, confirmed on social media that the Iryo 6189 train from Malaga to Madrid derailed at Adamuz, crashing onto the track next to it. The Alvia train, which was on the adjacent track, also derailed. The accident occurred at 6:40 p.m. (1740 GMT), roughly 10 minutes after the Iryo train departed from Cordoba en route to Madrid. The Iryo service is a private operator, mostly owned by Italy's state-controlled railway group, Ferrovie dello Stato. A spokesperson for the company expressed deep regret over the incident and noted that all emergency protocols were activated to assist the authorities. The Alvia train, operated by Renfe, was reportedly traveling at approximately 200 km (124 miles) per hour at the time of the crash.
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