Spain Train Accident Today: 24 Dead in High-Speed Collision Near Córdoba

Investigating the Spain train accident in Córdoba: A Renfe AVE and Iryo train collided on Sunday, Jan 18. Discover the cause of the derailment, travel disruptions, and official government statements.

By Trending News Fox, Web News & Media Team, Monday 19th January, 2026

Tragedy in Córdoba: High-Speed Spain Train Accident Leaves 24 Dead and Hundreds Injured

MADRID — Spain is in a state of national mourning. A catastrophic rail disaster occurred in the southern province of Córdoba. On the evening of Sunday, January 18, 2026, two high-speed trains collided near the town of Adamuz, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and over 245 injuries.

The accident has crippled the nation’s high-speed rail network. Transport Minister Óscar Puente described it as “truly strange” and “horrific.” It has also raised urgent questions about the safety of Europe’s largest rail infrastructure.

The Incident: What Happened in Adamuz?

At approximately 7:40 PM CET, a high-speed train operated by the private company Iryo derailed. It was traveling from Málaga to Madrid with 317 passengers on board. The derailment occurred while traversing a railroad switch near the Córdoba-Julio Anguita station.

The derailment caused the Iryo train to encroach onto the adjacent track. Moments later, a Renfe AVE train traveling from Madrid to Huelva, carrying approximately 184 passengers, struck the derailed carriages.

The Impact: “Like an Earthquake”

Witnesses and survivors described a scene of absolute chaos. Salvador Jiménez is a journalist for Spanish broadcaster RTVE. He was traveling on the Iryo train. Jiménez reported that the impact “felt like an earthquake.”

• Derailment: The last two carriages of the Iryo train derailed, with one completely overturning.
• Collision: The Renfe train sustained the most severe damage. The force of the impact sent its first two carriages plunging down a four-meter (13-foot) embankment.
• Escape: Passengers were trapped in darkness and smoke. They were forced to use emergency hammers to break windows. They then crawled out of the wreckage.

Spain Train Accident: Casualties and Emergency Response

As of Monday morning, January 19, regional authorities in Andalusia have confirmed the following:

The Military Emergencies Unit (UME) went to the site. They arrived with 15 vehicles and 40 personnel. Their mission was to help local firefighters and the Red Cross. Rescue efforts faced significant challenges. The difficult terrain made progress hard. There was a total lack of light in the rural area where the trains came to a halt.

The Investigation: A “Strange” Disaster on Modern Tracks

The Spanish government has launched an official inquiry, but early details have baffled experts. Minister Óscar Puente noted several factors that make this accident particularly unusual:

1. Renovated Infrastructure: The collision happened on a straight section of track. This section was refurbished in May 2025. It was part of a €700 million investment.
2. Modern Rolling Stock: The Iryo train involved was relatively new, having been in service for less than four years.
3. Perfect Conditions: Visibility was clear, and the track was reportedly in “perfect state” before the derailment.

The investigation is expected to take at least a month. It will focus on whether a mechanical failure in the railroad switch occurred. Another focus is on determining if there was a signaling error. The error has allowed the Iryo train to cross into the path of the oncoming AVE.

Current Travel Disruptions: What You Need to Know

The accident has forced a total suspension of high-speed rail traffic between Madrid and the Andalusia region.

• Suspended Routes: Services to Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, and Huelva are currently offline.
• ADIF Measures: National rail manager ADIF has set up assistance centers for families at Atocha Station (Madrid). They have also established centers in Seville and Málaga.
• Alternative Transport: Renfe and other operators are working to supply bus bridges. Travelers should check the status of their tickets promptly.

Historical Context: Spain’s Deadliest Rail Accidents

Spain’s high-speed network is globally renowned for its safety and efficiency. Despite this, the tragedy is the worst rail disaster the country has seen in over a decade.

• 2013 Santiago de Compostela: A high-speed train derailed on a curve due to excessive speed, killing 80 people.¹⁹
• 2006 Valencia Metro: A derailment in the subway system resulted in 43 deaths.
• 1972 El Cuervo: A head-on collision between two trains in Seville left 77 dead.

The Adamuz disaster is now being cited as one of the deadliest incidents. It is significant in the history of the Spanish high-speed era, which began in 1992.

Spain Train Accident: National and International Reaction

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his “deepest sadness” and canceled his Monday schedule to watch the recovery efforts. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also issued a statement offering condolences to the families of the victims.

From Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X. “Tonight you are in my thoughts,” she stated. She affirmed that the EU is monitoring the situation closely.

Conclusion: A Nation Seeking Answers

As search and rescue teams finish clearing the wreckage in Córdoba, the focus shifts to accountability. Spain’s pride in its “AVE” (Alta Velocidad Española) brand rests on its reputation for safety. If a catastrophic derailment can occur on a straight, newly renovated track, the implications for the entire network are significant.

Trending News Fox will continue to offer live updates. This will occur as the death toll is finalized. Updates will also be given as the black box data is recovered.

Are you or a loved one affected by the Córdoba train accident?

For information regarding passengers, please contact the official ADIF emergency line. You can also visit the information points at Madrid-Atocha or Santa Justa (Seville).

Saibal.Bose.How. (2026e, January 19). Spain train accident today: 24 dead in High-Speed Collision. Trending News Fox. https://trendingnewsfox.in/spain-train-accident-today-24-dead-in-high-speed-collision/