Deadly Train Crashes in Spain: Adamuz Tragedy and Gelida Derailment Shake the Nation
Two fatal train accidents in Spain in January 2026—one in Adamuz with 42 dead and another in Gelida causing the driver's death and numerous injuries—have led to emergency responses, service suspensions, and a union strike call.
- • A deadly train collision in Adamuz, Córdoba, killed 42 and left many injured.
- • A Rodalies train derailed in Gelida near Barcelona after a retaining wall collapsed, killing the driver and injuring 37.
- • Emergency services responded with ambulances and firefighters to assist victims and evacuate passengers.
- • Rodalies services suspended in Catalonia affecting 400,000 passengers; authorities conducting safety inspections.
- • Train drivers' union called for a strike following the fatal accidents.
Key details
Spain has been rocked by two severe train accidents in January 2026, resulting in over 40 fatalities and numerous injuries, triggering widespread emergency responses and service suspensions.
The most catastrophic incident occurred in Adamuz, Córdoba, where a high-speed collision between two trains traveling from Málaga and Madrid claimed 42 lives. The local community has mobilized for relief efforts, with the parish of San Andrés in Adamuz opening to provide shelter, food, and support for victims and relatives. Bishop Jesús Fernández of Córdoba offered prayers for those affected, as volunteers assist at the parish and nearby municipal centers. Bishop José Antonio Satué of Málaga similarly expressed sorrow and solidarity with the victims' families.
Just days later, near Barcelona in the Gelida area, a Rodalies commuter train derailed after striking a retaining wall that collapsed onto the tracks during severe storms. This accident caused the death of the train driver and injured at least 37 individuals, five seriously. Emergency services deployed 11 ambulances and 35 firefighters to evacuate all passengers safely. Another train also derailed nearby due to a rockfall but thankfully with no injuries. The injured were transported to hospitals, with Medical Emergency Services reporting five serious, six less serious, and 26 minor injuries.
In response to the Gelida accident, the Administrator of Railway Infrastructures (Adif) suspended all Rodalies train services in Catalonia, affecting about 400,000 daily passengers. Authorities are conducting comprehensive safety inspections before restoring services. The accident has caused travel chaos, with passengers advised to use alternative transport, causing a surge in bus and metro usage. Universities such as the University of Barcelona have canceled or postponed exams, while teleworking has been encouraged by the Catalan government. Additionally, tolls on the C-32 highway were lifted to ease mobility.
The recent tragedies prompted the train drivers' union to call for a strike in protest of the deaths of two train professionals within days. The nation continues to mourn and respond amidst ongoing investigations and safety assessments.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (3)
Source comparison
Number of injuries
Sources report different numbers of injuries from the train accident in Gelida.
rtve.es
"The accident resulted in the death of the train driver and injuries to 41 others."
bbc.com
"The accident resulted in the death of the train driver and injuring at least 37 others."
Why this matters: One source states there were 41 injuries, while another reports at least 37 injuries. This discrepancy affects the understanding of the accident's severity and impact on passengers.
Number of fatalities
Sources report different fatality counts related to recent train accidents in Spain.
ondacero.es
"The incident has prompted a response from the Bishop of Córdoba, Jesús Fernández, who has reached out to both the parish and civil authorities, offering prayers for the victims and injured."
bbc.com
"This accident comes just days after a catastrophic collision between two high-speed trains in Adamuz, Andalucía, which resulted in 42 fatalities."
Why this matters: One source mentions 42 fatalities from a recent accident in Adamuz, while another does not specify the number of fatalities from that incident. This discrepancy affects the overall understanding of the impact of these train accidents.