At least 39 people have been killed and dozens more injured after two high-speed passenger trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday evening, in one of the country’s deadliest rail accidents in recent years.The crash occurred near the town of Adamuz, in Córdoba province, when a Madrid-bound high-speed train derailed on a straight section of track and crashed into an oncoming service travelling in the opposite direction at high speed. The impact forced both trains off the tracks.Spanish rail infrastructure manager Adif said the accident happened at around 6.40pm local time, roughly ten minutes after the Iryo-operated train departed Córdoba heading towards Madrid. The derailed train encroached onto the adjacent track, where it was struck head-on by a second train travelling between Madrid and Huelva.There were approximately 400 passengers on board the two trains. Emergency services said at least 122 people were treated for injuries, with 75 hospitalised overnight. Of those, 15 remained in serious condition early on Monday, including several children. The driver of one of the trains was among those killed.Spain’s transport minister described the crash as “very serious”, noting that the force of the collision caused the leading carriages of the second train to be thrown off the tracks. Spain’s prime minister cleared his schedule to address the tragedy, while prosecutors are awaiting a police report before determining whether a criminal investigation will be opened.Regional officials said the incident was “extremely unusual”, as it occurred on a straight section of track that had been renovated in May. The train involved had also undergone a routine inspection just four days before the crash, according to its parent company. Investigators are now examining possible mechanical, signalling or operational failures.Rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended as rescue teams worked through the night in difficult conditions. Local residents in Adamuz set up a reception centre for survivors, bringing food and blankets as temperatures dropped overnight. Passengers used emergency hammers to break windows and escape from overturned carriages.The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of international condolences. Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela said he had spoken with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to convey Malta’s sympathies.“Deeply saddened by the tragic train crash in Spain,” Abela said. “We stand in solidarity with you during this difficult time.”Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg also expressed condolences, saying Malta stood with the Spanish people as they mourned the victims.Spanish authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as identification efforts continue and investigators work to establish the precise cause of the collision.•