At least 21 people died and dozens were injured a Madrid-bound high-speed train derailed on a straight section of track shortly departing Málaga and crossed onto the opposite line, colliding with an oncoming train near Adamuz, close to Córdoba in southern Spain. Authorities said the toll could rise; Andalusia’s emergency services reported at least 24 seriously injured, including four children. Around 400 passengers and staff were aboard the two trains combined (about 300 on the Málaga–Madrid service operated by private firm Iryo and about 100 on the Madrid–Huelva service operated by state-backed Renfe). Spain’s transport minister called the incident “extremely strange” and said experts were baffled; the cause is unknown and an investigation may take at least a month. Rescue teams faced difficult conditions due to twisted wreckage, while medical posts and family assistance centers were set up at multiple stations. National leaders and European officials issued condolences, and rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended into Monday.