Major Train Disaster in Spain: 40 Dead in High-Speed Collision Near Córdoba
Major Train Disaster in Spain: 40 Dead in High-Speed Collision Near Córdoba
On the evening of January 18, 2026, one of the deadliest rail disasters in modern Spanish history occurred in the province of Córdoba (Andalusia). Two high-speed trains collided near the small town of Adamuz, resulting in at least 40 fatalities and over 150 passengers injured, many severely.
Timeline of the Tragedy
At approximately 19:45 local time (20:45 Moscow time), train Iryo 6189, traveling from Málaga to Madrid (Puerta de Atocha) with around 290–317 passengers, derailed on a straight section of track near Adamuz station. The last three carriages left the tracks and crossed into the opposite lane.
Seconds later—about 20 seconds according to some reports—an oncoming Renfe Alvia 2384 train traveling from Madrid to Huelva crashed into them. The impact was so severe that the front carriages of the Alvia train fell from an embankment about 4 meters high, significantly complicating rescue efforts.
Most of the fatalities and serious injuries occurred in the front carriages of the Alvia train. Among the victims was the driver of one of the trains.
Casualties and Condition of the Injured
As of the morning of January 19, latest figures indicate:
- At least 40 dead (the number may rise as search operations continue under debris and identification proceeds).
- Over 150 injured, including:
- Around 41–73 still hospitalized.
- 12–24 in critical or extremely serious condition (including several children in intensive care).
- More than 80 already discharged after treatment.
Rescue operations are ongoing with the involvement of the Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME), firefighters, police, medical personnel, and volunteers. Hundreds of specialists are working at the disaster site.
Government Response and Suspension of Service
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a nationwide three-day mourning period. He canceled all international trips and pledged full transparency in the investigation.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente arrived at the scene and described the incident as “tremendamente extraño” (extremely strange). The accident occurred on a straight, recently upgraded section of track (completed in 2025), where trains were traveling at speeds of about 200–210 km/h. Human error is initially ruled out—high-speed train operations in Spain are highly automated.
Adif (Spain’s railway infrastructure administrator) has fully suspended high-speed train services between Madrid and Andalusia (routes to Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, Huelva, Cádiz, Granada, and Algeciras). Restrictions are expected to remain in place until at least the end of January to early February 2026. Passengers are being offered:
- Full refunds;
- Rescheduling options;
- Alternative routes via air or bus.
Renfe and Iryo have opened dedicated hotlines for relatives of victims and survivors.
Investigation into Causes
Key lines of inquiry currently under investigation include:
- Technical failure of rolling stock;
- Rail defect or breakage (a 200–300 meter stretch of damaged track has been confirmed, but it is unclear whether this was cause or consequence);
- Signaling or automation system failure;
- Other infrastructure or external factors.
Authorities emphasize that the section had recently undergone modernization and both trains had passed regular safety inspections—the most recent just days prior for one of the trains.
The Adamuz tragedy marks the deadliest rail accident on Spanish railways in over a decade and has deeply shocked the nation.
Our sincere condolences go to the families of the victims, and we wish a swift recovery to all those injured.
This report is based on official statements from Spanish authorities, Adif, Renfe, Iryo, and media sources as of January 19, 2026. Information will be updated as new details emerge.