Southern Spain was rocked by a major rail disaster on the evening of January 18, 2026, when two high‑speed trains collided near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 passengers and crew and leaving many others injured.
The crash occurred at about 7:45 p.m. local time when a Iryo‑operated train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed on a straight section of track and struck a Renfe‑operated Alvia train heading from Madrid to Huelva.
How the Crash Happened
Authorities report that the last two carriages of the Iryo train came off the rails and crossed into the oncoming train’s track, triggering a head‑on collision. The impact was powerful enough to push the front carriages of the Alvia service down an embankment, complicating rescue efforts.
Emergency services worked through the night to reach trapped passengers amid twisted wreckage. As of the latest updates:
- 39 fatalities have been confirmed, with the toll possibly rising.
- More than 120 people have been wounded, including many with serious injuries.
- At least 48 individuals remain hospitalized, with several in critical condition.
Official Response and Investigation
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the crash as “a night of deep pain” for the country and has pledged to support victims’ families.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente said the accident occurred on a recently renovated, flat stretch of track, which investigators find puzzling given that derailments more often occur on curves or uneven sections.
Early probes are focusing on infrastructure or equipment failure, including a potential broken rail joint, though a final cause has not yet been determined. Human error has been largely ruled out so far.
Impact on Rail Services
Rail operators have suspended several Madrid–Andalusia routes while investigators comb the scene. Spain’s extensive high‑speed rail network — the largest in Europe — is central to regional transport, making the accident all the more significant.
FAQs:
1. Where did the train crash occur?
The collision happened near Adamuz in Córdoba province, in southern Spain, on a section of high‑speed rail linking Málaga and Madrid.
2. How many people were killed or injured?
At least 39 people have died and more than 120 have been injured, with dozens hospitalized and some in critical condition.
3. What caused the derailment and collision?
Officials have not yet identified a definitive cause but are investigating possible rail infrastructure failure and a broken joint on the track. Early reports suggest human error is unlikely.
4. Has rail service been affected?
Yes – several high‑speed services, especially between Madrid and cities in Andalusia, were suspended while rescue and investigation operations continue.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the latest verified news reporting as of January 20, 2026. Details about the incident are evolving, and figures such as the number of casualties and causes of the crash may change as official investigations progress.
