Spain Faces Renewed High-Speed Rail Investment and Safety Challenges After Deadly Córdoba Collision

On the night of January 18, 2026, Spain witnessed its deadliest high-speed rail disaster in over a decade when two trains collided near Córdoba, resulting in at least 40 fatalities and dozens of injuries. The crash involved trains operated by Iryo and Renfe — one traveling from Málaga to Madrid, the other from Madrid to Huelva. The impact near the village of Adamuz caused horrific scenes, with survivors recounting violent jolts and chaotic rescue efforts. President Pedro Sánchez promptly visited the site, declared three days of national mourning, and promised a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the accident.

This collision has reignited concerns about Spain's railway safety and infrastructure. Notably, the accident occurred on a recently renovated track, raising questions about maintenance and operational safety protocols. With 41 patients hospitalized and psychological support mobilized for victims and families, the tragedy spotlights the urgent challenges facing Spain's high-speed rail system.

Over the past decades, Spain has made significant advancements in high-speed rail with thousands of kilometers developed and the introduction of multiple operators including Renfe, Ouigo, and recently Iryo, which began service in late 2022. Competition has increased along major corridors, extending beyond Madrid-Barcelona to Andalusia and Levante, with plans for further regional expansions.

Despite rapid growth in train services—from six daily connections between Madrid and Sevilla in the 1990s to 289 today—the sector struggles with punctuality and cancellations, affecting passenger confidence. Investment in rail infrastructure has been uneven, plunging from €6.5 billion in 2009 to €2.3 billion in 2018 before recovering to nearly €4 billion in 2023. The government has earmarked €1 billion to modernize Renfe’s workshops and improve key routes like Madrid-Sevilla, yet experts debate whether current funding levels suffice to ensure safety and maintenance.

This tragic event starkly underscores the high stakes of maintaining Spain's vast high-speed network amid growing operational demands and competition. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders face pressure to reassess infrastructure investment priorities to prevent future disasters and maintain public trust in Spain’s acclaimed AVE system.