Deadly High-Speed Train Collision in Córdoba Leaves at Least 39 Dead
A high-speed train collision in Córdoba resulted in 39 deaths and multiple injuries, prompting suspensions of rail services and a major emergency response.
- • At least 39 people died and 24 are critically injured in a collision between two high-speed trains near Adamuz, Córdoba.
- • The accident occurred when the Iryo train derailed after invading an adjacent track, causing the collision with another train from Madrid to Huelva.
- • Emergency teams deployed 37 UME personnel with extraction tools to deal with severely damaged carriages.
- • Minister of Transport called the accident "tremendously strange" due to the new trains and recent infrastructure upgrades.
- • High-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusian cities are suspended through at least January 19.
Key details
A catastrophic collision between two high-speed trains in Adamuz, Córdoba, has resulted in at least 39 fatalities and dozens more injured, marking Spain's deadliest rail accident since 2013. The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026, involving an Iryo train carrying around 300 passengers from Málaga to Madrid, and another train traveling from Madrid to Huelva with 184 passengers onboard.
The accident took place when the Iryo train derailed after unexpectedly invading an adjacent track, causing a collision with the other train. This collision caused some carriages of the second train to fall down a 4-meter embankment, complicating rescue efforts. Emergency services have reported 24 critically injured individuals, including four minors, with ongoing operations to extract those trapped in severely damaged carriages. Thirty-seven members of the UME emergency unit were deployed, equipped with specialized extraction tools due to the severity of the wreckage.
Spain's Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, described the accident as "tremendously strange," noting that the trains involved were relatively new and the infrastructure recently renovated. The crash happened on a straight section of track that is known for being a critical area with frequent track switches and high-speed trains overtaking slower trains. Rail services between Madrid and Andalusian cities including Córdoba, Sevilla, Málaga, and Huelva have been suspended at least through January 19.
The gravity of the tragedy has led to a nationwide response, with Spain’s King Felipe VI and President Pedro Sánchez expressing condolences and concern. Emergency crews continue to prioritize rescue and support efforts at the crash site, where regional authorities have also set up medical posts and support spaces for victims' families. Initial uncertainties remain about the exact cause of the accident amidst ongoing investigations.
This incident overshadows Spain’s transportation safety record and recalls the deadly Santiago de Compostela derailment in 2013, though current casualty numbers stand at less than that previous disaster, with the government and emergency services fully mobilized to manage the aftermath and prevent further loss.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (4)
Source comparison
Number of fatalities
Sources disagree on the number of fatalities in the train collision
nytimes.com
"A tragic train collision in southern Spain has resulted in at least 21 fatalities."
bbc.com
"At least 39 people have died and dozens more have been injured in a collision involving two high-speed trains."
Why this matters: One source reports at least 21 fatalities, while another states that at least 39 people have died. This significant discrepancy affects the understanding of the incident's severity.
Number of injuries
Sources report conflicting numbers of injuries from the train collision
nytimes.com
"Initial reports indicate at least 10 deaths and over 25 serious injuries."
bbc.com
"Emergency services reported that at least 24 individuals were critically injured, including four minors."
Why this matters: One source mentions over 25 serious injuries, while another states that at least 24 individuals were critically injured. This discrepancy impacts the understanding of the accident's overall impact on passengers.