Latest Developments (23 January 2026):
- Death toll rises: Authorities now report 45 confirmed fatalities from the Adamuz train crash, with over 150 injured. Rescue operations continue.
- Ongoing recovery: Heavy machinery and sniffer dogs are being used to search wreckage for additional victims.
- Union response: Spain’s main train drivers’ union has called a nationwide strike demanding improved safety measures.
- Rail services affected: All high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusia remain suspended; alternative transport prices have increased, prompting government warnings.
- Follow-up accident: A separate train incident near Barcelona has left at least one dead and several injured, raising broader safety concerns.
- Investigation focus: Officials are examining track infrastructure faults; no final cause has been determined.
On the evening of Sunday, 18 January 2026, southern Spain was shaken by one of the deadliest railway disasters in recent years. Near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, two high-speed trains collided in a catastrophic accident. The scale of the disaster, combined with ongoing rescue efforts and emerging safety concerns, has left the nation deeply affected. This is what we know so far.
How the accident occurred
At around 19:45 CET, an Iryo high-speed train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed in a stretch of track near Adamuz. Three of its carriages left the rails and crossed onto the oncoming track used by another high-speed service — a Renfe Alvia train heading from Madrid to Huelva. The two trains collided violently, with the impact sending the first carriages of the Alvia train down an embankment of several metres.
This is believed to be the first-ever head-on collision between high-speed trains in Spain’s extensive AVE network and one of the most serious rail accidents in the country since the 2013 Santiago de Compostela disaster. Investigators are focusing on the integrity of the track, including a possibly faulty rail joint, as part of the probe. Authorities stress that the cause has not yet been determined.
Casualties and emergency response
The official toll now stands at 45 confirmed fatalities, including passengers from both trains and at least one train driver, with more than 150 people injured. Rescue teams continue to comb through the wreckage using heavy machinery, cranes, and sniffer dogs to locate additional victims.
Multiple hospitals in Andalusia and beyond have been mobilised to treat the wounded. Local authorities, including the Andalusian regional government, have set up medical tents and support centres for survivors and families. Residents of Adamuz have also rallied to provide water, blankets, and assistance.
Following this and a subsequent accident near Barcelona, Spain’s largest train drivers’ union has called for a nationwide strike, demanding improved safety measures and accountability in the rail system.
Official statements and investigation
Spain’s Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, described the accident as “tremendously strange and difficult to explain”, emphasising that the derailment occurred on a straight section of track that had been fully renovated less than a year ago and that the Iryo train involved was relatively new. He urged caution against speculation while an independent investigation gets underway.
Authorities have ruled out excessive speed as a cause so far, noting that both trains were travelling within permitted limits when the crash occurred. A Railway Accident Investigation Commission has been tasked with determining the precise sequence of events and underlying causes. Early investigatory focus remains on possible track infrastructure faults.
Impact on rail services
All high-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia remain suspended while tracks are cleared and inspected. Passengers holding tickets for disrupted services are being assisted with refunds or alternative travel arrangements.
The accident has also affected other transport services, with some passengers reporting price increases on alternative transport such as buses and flights. Authorities have warned against abusive pricing.
How to help and support
Support hotlines have been established by Adif, Renfe, and regional authorities to assist families seeking information about loved ones and to coordinate support services:
- Adif Information Line: 900 101 020
- Additional Assistance (Renfe): 910 150 000
In the hours following the accident, Andalusian health authorities issued an urgent call for blood donations, especially for O-negative, O-positive, and A-positive types. Hospitals in Córdoba and nearby cities have extended opening hours at blood donation centres. Officials stress that even a single donation can help save several lives in emergencies like this.
A nation in mourning
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared national grief over the tragedy, and flags across the country are expected to fly at half-mast as the community mourns those who lost their lives.
