Spain Train Tragedy: 39 Dead as High-Speed Trains Collide Near Córdoba

ADAMUZ, SPAIN — A catastrophic high-speed train collision in southern Spain has left at least 39 people dead and dozens more seriously injured. The accident, which occurred on the evening of Sunday, January 18, 2026, is being described by officials as one of the most “bizarre” and “painful” rail disasters in the country’s recent history.

The Incident: What Happened?

The disaster unfolded at approximately 7:45 PM CET near the town of Adamuz in the province of Córdoba.

An Iryo high-speed train (a Freccia 1000 model) traveling from Malaga to Madrid with over 300 passengers on board derailed shortly after departing from Córdoba. The tail end of the train jumped the tracks and crossed into the path of an oncoming Renfe train traveling from Madrid to Huelva.

The impact was devastating:

• The Renfe train, carrying roughly 184 passengers, took the brunt of the collision.

• The first two carriages of the Renfe train were thrown off the track and plunged down a 4-meter (13-foot) embankment.

• Survivors described the impact as feeling like a massive “earthquake” followed by darkness and screams.

Casualty Update and Rescue Efforts

While early reports initially cited 10 deaths, the toll has risen sharply as rescuers reached the mangled Renfe carriages.

• Confirmed Dead: 39+ (including one of the train drivers).

• Seriously Injured: 25-75 people (reports vary as victims are triaged; 15 remain in critical condition).

• Total Injured: Approximately 245 people treated.

The Spanish Red Cross and the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) have been deployed to the site. Rescue efforts were hampered by the difficult-to-reach location and the “twisted metal” of the carriages, requiring firefighters to use specialized equipment to reach those trapped inside.

“Truly Strange”: Authorities Launch Investigation

Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, called the accident “truly strange,” noting that it occurred on a straight, flat stretch of track that had been renovated as recently as May 2025. Furthermore, the Iryo train involved was less than four years old. A full judicial inquiry is expected to take at least a month to determine if the cause was technical failure or human error.

Official Reactions

• Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez: “Tonight is a night of deep pain for our country. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims.”

• King Felipe VI & Queen Letizia: Expressed “great concern” and shared their heartfelt support for the families and survivors.

• Travel Disruptions: All high-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia (including Seville, Malaga, and Huelva) remain suspended as of Monday, January 19.

Breaking News: Ten Wounded, Two Arrested After Mass Stabbing on UK Train

Seven Elephants Killed After Rajdhani Express Collides With Herd in Assam

US President’s Son Donald Trump Jr. Tours Vantara Wildlife Centre in Gujarat