Spain Train Crash 2026 : At Least 40 Dead in High-Speed Collision Near Córdoba
On January 18, 2026, a major rail disaster occurred in southern Spain when two high-speed trains collided near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province. The accident, described as the country’s worst rail disaster in over a decade, has claimed at least 40 lives.
Accident Details
- Time and Location: The crash took place at approximately 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, January 18, on a straight stretch of high-speed track about 360 km south of Madrid.
- The Trains:
- An Iryo train (private consortium) traveling from Málaga to Madrid with roughly 300 passengers.
- An Alvia train (operated by the state-run Renfe) traveling from Madrid to Huelva with about 100 to 200 passengers.
- Sequence of Events: The rear carriages of the Madrid-bound Iryo train derailed and crossed onto the adjacent track. Seconds later, the oncoming Renfe Alvia train collided with the derailed cars or debris. The impact forced the front carriages of the Renfe train down a 4-to-5-meter (13-to-16-foot) embankment.
Casualties and Emergency Response
- Casualties: At least 40 people are confirmed dead, including the driver of the Renfe train. Over 122 people were injured, with dozens remaining hospitalized, including several in critical condition and at least five children.
- Rescue Efforts: Recovery was hampered by the remote location, accessible only by a single-track road, and the “twisted mass of steel” of the wreckage.
- Government Action: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared three days of national mourning and vowed “absolute transparency” in the investigation.
Investigation and Cause
The cause remains under official investigation, but several factors have been identified:
- Broken Rail Joint: Technicians have identified a faulty rail joint (fishplate) with long-term wear that created a widening gap in the rails.
- Previous Warnings: The train drivers’ union (SEMAF) reportedly warned rail operator Adif in August 2025 of “severe wear and tear” on high-speed tracks, including this specific line.
- Human Error: Officials have practically ruled out human error or excessive speed, as both trains were operating well below the 250 km/h limit (at 205 km/h and 110 km/h).
High-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended following the crash and are expected to face disruptions through the week.