Spain is reeling from its deadliest rail disaster in over a decade after two high-speed trains collided near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province on Sunday evening, January 18, 2026. At least 21 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 75 others are hospitalized, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue into Monday.
The accident involved a private Iryo high-speed train and a state-owned Renfe service.
What Happened: A Rare Double Derailment
According to the Spanish rail infrastructure manager (ADIF), the tragedy unfolded around 7:45 PM local time:
- The Derailment: A high-speed Iryo train (frecciarossa 1000) traveling from Malaga to Madrid with 317 passengers derailed while traversing a railroad switch just 10 minutes after leaving Córdoba station.
- The Impact: The tail end of the Iryo train jumped the track and swerved into the adjacent line, slamming head-on into an oncoming Renfe train traveling from Madrid to Huelva with 184 passengers.
- The Aftermath: The force of the collision knocked the first two carriages of the Renfe train off the rails and down a four-meter (13-foot) embankment. Survivors described the impact as feeling like an “earthquake” followed by darkness and smoke.
“Truly Strange”: Why Officials are Baffled
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the incident as “extraordinarily strange” for several technical reasons:
- Renovated Track: The stretch of track where the derailment occurred had been completely renewed in May 2025.
- New Fleet: The Iryo train that first jumped the track was less than four years old and part of a modern, highly regulated fleet.
- Flat Terrain: The accident did not happen on a difficult curve but on a relatively flat and straight section of the high-speed line.
“The forcefulness of the accident has been very strong… we will likely find more corpses as we use heavy machinery to move the mangled metal,” said Andalusia President Juanma Moreno.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
- Deaths: 21 confirmed (including the driver of the Madrid-to-Huelva train). Some reports suggest the toll may already be as high as 24.
- Injuries: 75 passengers hospitalized; 15 remain in critical condition.
- Rescue: Passengers used emergency hammers to break windows and escape the wreckage. Military Emergency Units (UME) and the Red Cross have been deployed to the site, which is notoriously difficult to access by road.
National Mourning and Suspensions
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a “night of deep pain” for Spain, canceling his schedule for Monday to address the crisis.
- Travel Alert: All high-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia (including Seville, Malaga, and Granada) have been suspended until further notice.
- Investigation: A full judicial and technical inquiry has been launched, though Minister Puente warned it could take up to a month to determine the exact cause.