At least 39 dead after high-speed train collision in Spain

Dozens more are injured.

The incident occurred at around 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT) last night (18 January) in Adamuz, near the city of Córdoba, as per Spanish network operator Adif.

According to Andalusia's emergency services, dozens more were injured in the collision, with at least 73 people taken to hospital, 24 of whom were seriously injured, including four children.

Reports say that the Madrid-bound train derailed and crossed over to opposite tracks where it collided with an oncoming train.

Four hundred passengers and staff were onboard both trains, the Spanish rail networks have said.

Spanish officials have been left reportedly "baffled by the accident", as described by Transport Minister Óscar Puente who called the incident "extremely strange".

Reports from the BBC say that the force of the crash caused the second train to derail into an embankment, with most of the casualties coming from the front carriages of the second train, which was travelling from Madrid to Huelva.

The mangled wreck left by the collision has made recovery efforts difficult.

Córdoba fire chief Francisco Carmona told Spanish public broadcaster RTVE: "We have even had to remove a dead person to be able to reach someone alive. It is hard, tricky work."

Taking to X to release a statement, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote: "Tonight is a night of deep pain for our country due to the tragic railway accident in Adamuz.

"I want to express my most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

"No words can alleviate such immense suffering, but I want them to know that the entire country stands with them in this extremely difficult moment.

"All emergency services are working in a coordinated manner without rest."

Videos from the incident's aftermath have been circling on social media, showing the extent of the wreckage.

One of the trains involved in the accident was the Frecciarossa 1000, owned by private operator Iryo which can reach speeds of up to 400km/h, although it has a maximum commercial speed of 300km/h.

All rail services have been put on hold between Madrid and Andalusia for the time being.

An official cause for the crash is not yet known.