At least 39 people were killed and dozens injured when two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain on Sunday night, marking one of the deadliest rail accidents in the country this century.
The accident occurred around 7:40 p.m. on January 18, 2026, near the municipality of Adamuz in Córdoba province. A high-speed Iryo train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and crossed onto the opposite track, where it collided with an oncoming Renfe train heading from Madrid to Huelva. Both trains derailed as a result of the impact, with the Renfe train suffering severe damage and some carriages overturning.
Emergency services, including firefighters and the Guardia Civil, worked through the night to evacuate passengers and rescue those trapped in the wreckage. Casualty figures have risen throughout the night, with authorities confirming at least 39 fatalities and 75 people hospitalized, 12 of whom are in intensive care. Approximately 300 passengers were onboard the Iryo train at the time of the accident, and the total number of people affected is estimated to be around 400 across both trains.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the incident as “truly strange” because it happened on a straight, flat stretch of track that had been renovated in May. The cause of the derailment is under investigation, with officials suggesting it could take up to a month to determine what went wrong. The Iryo train involved was less than four years old, adding to the mystery.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences, calling it “a night of deep pain for our country.” He is scheduled to visit the area, and the king and queen are closely monitoring the situation. The regional president of Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno, also offered sympathies to the victims’ families, stating that hearts are broken across the region.
This accident recalls Spain’s worst train disaster this century, which occurred in 2013 in Galicia and killed 80 people. Spain boasts the largest high-speed rail network in Europe, known for its safety and popularity, with over 3,100 kilometers of track and millions of passengers annually, making this incident particularly shocking.
In the aftermath, rail services between Madrid and Andalucía have been suspended, and a reception center was set up in Adamuz to assist survivors and families. The Spanish Red Cross is providing support, with locals bringing food and blankets as temperatures dropped. Investigations are ongoing, focusing on track conditions and operational factors.
As rescue efforts continue and the nation mourns, the focus remains on understanding the cause of this catastrophic event and ensuring the safety of Spain’s extensive rail infrastructure. The tragedy has prompted a national reflection on rail safety standards and emergency response protocols.
