At least 21 people were killed on Sunday after a devastating crash involving high-speed trains in southern Spain, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise.

Antonio Sanz, the regional health minister for Andalusia, where the accident occurred, said officials fear more casualties as rescue operations continue. At least 73 injured passengers have been transported to six hospitals across the region, according to Spain English.

The train, carrying 317 passengers, was travelling from Málaga to Madrid when it derailed near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province.

One of the victims was the driver of the Alvia train, which reportedly had around 100 passengers on board. A witness told Spain English that the Iryo train appeared to be shaking moments before the collision.

Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the incident as “very serious” in a post on X. He said the rear carriages of the Iryo train heading to Madrid derailed and encroached onto the opposite track, where a Renfe train travelling towards Huelva was passing at the same time.

“The impact was terrible,” Puente wrote. “The first two carriages of the Renfe train were thrown off the tracks. The number of casualties cannot be confirmed at this time. The priority now is to assist the victims.”

Rescue crews told the BBC that the twisted wreckage has made it extremely difficult to recover survivors and bodies.

World leaders expressed condolences following the tragedy. French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron wrote on X: “A train tragedy strikes Andalusia. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all the Spanish people. France stands with you.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also reacted, saying: “I have received the terrible news from Córdoba. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the train accident and to the Spanish people. I wish a swift and full recovery to the injured. You are in my thoughts tonight.”