At least 21 people died after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain near Córdoba. One train derailed on a straight track and crossed onto an adjacent line, striking an oncoming service. More than 30 passengers suffered serious injuries, and authorities fear the death toll may rise. The crash occurred on a recently refurbished section of track, which officials called "extremely strange."

The incident involved a Freccia 1000 train operated by private carrier Iryo, which can reach 400 km/h, and a Renfe service. Rescue crews described harrowing conditions, with twisted wreckage complicating recovery efforts. Spain’s transport minister confirmed a full investigation is underway, though a definitive cause may take a month. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called it a "night of deep pain" as the nation grapples with its deadliest rail accident in years.

Spain’s rail network has seen previous high-speed incidents, including a 2013 derailment in Galicia that killed 80. The latest crash has prompted the suspension of all Madrid-Andalusia services and triggered condolences from European leaders. As families await news, emergency services have set up support stations at major terminals. The tragedy raises immediate questions about safety protocols on one of Europe’s most extensive high-speed networks.