Spain's transport minister says that 21 people have been killed and 30 seriously injured after a crash involving high-speed trains in the country's south.

The accident occurred in suburban Cordoba in the region of Andalusia on Sunday night. A high-speed train traveling from Malaga to the capital Madrid derailed and hit another train traveling in the opposite direction on an adjacent track.

Transport Minister Oscar Puente said that the injured are being treated in hospital.

The Japanese Embassy in Madrid says there is no information so far indicating that any Japanese nationals were involved, but it is continuing efforts to confirm the situation.

Reuters reported that the derailed train was carrying more than 300 passengers, while about 100 people were on the other train.

Rescue operations are continuing at the site. Spain's public broadcaster has shown scenes of passengers evacuating one after another through carriage windows, while others remain trapped inside.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posted on social media that he is closely monitoring the situation, and that the government is cooperating with the relevant authorities to rescue passengers.

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