At least 39 killed after high-speed trains smash into each other in Spain

A Malaga to Madrid service with around 300 passengers aboard came off the rails near Cordoba at 7.45pm local time, according to rail operator Adif.

That hit a train carrying 200 passengers travelling in the opposite direction, from Madrid to Huelva.

Spain's Interior Ministry had said 21 people had been killed in its initial estimate early this morning - which was later nearly doubled to 39.

Some 170 people have been injured and 75 are in hospital.

Of that 75, some 15 people are seriously hurt, four of whom are children.

Adif said in a post to social media: "The Iryo 6189 Malaga to Madrid train has derailed from the track at Adamuz, crashing onto the adjacent track.

"The (Madrid) to Huelva train which was travelling on the adjacent track has also derailed."

Adif said the incident happened about ten minutes after the Iryo train left Malaga heading towards Madrid at 6.40pm local time.

The rail operator has suspended all services between Madrid and Andalusia.

Andalusia emergency services said on social media that all rail traffic had been halted and emergency services were on their way, including at least nine ambulances and emergency support vehicles.

The President of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno, wrote to X: "Very concerned about the serious railway accident in the province of Córdoba.

"We have sent emergency services and logistical support to the area to help in whatever is necessary.

"We are closely following the situation of the affected people."

He said a medical station had been set up in the area to treat injured passengers before they are taken to hospital.

Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, expressed his concern at the incident.

"Very concerned about the accident between two high-speed trains that have derailed in Adamuz (Córdoba)," he wrote to X.

"The Government is working with the rest of the competent authorities and emergency services to assist the passengers."