Tragic Adamuz Train Accident Leaves 45 Dead; Investigation and Government Response Underway
The Adamuz train accident in Córdoba claims 45 lives, with investigations pointing to a pre-existing rail fracture and government pledging transparency amid growing political scrutiny.
- • Adamuz train accident kills 45, with 23 hospitalized, including 5 in intensive care
- • Preliminary report indicates the rail was fractured before the Iryo train's passage
- • Transport Minister Óscar Puente emphasizes regular track inspections and continuous monitoring
- • Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez seeks to address Congress, opposition demands transparency and accountability
Key details
A catastrophic train accident in Adamuz, Córdoba, on January 23, 2026, has resulted in 45 fatalities and left 23 people hospitalized, five of whom remain in intensive care. The collision involved an Iryo high-speed train and an Alvia train, causing widespread devastation and prompting an intensive emergency response.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente revealed that a preliminary investigation suggests the rail was fractured before the accident. According to the Commission for Railway Accident Investigation (CIAF), the damaged track section existed prior to the Iryo train passing over it. Puente also stated that the control center maintained continuous monitoring of the trains without any intervention signals detected before the derailment. Maintenance records indicate that since May 2025, there have been 13 track inspections, the most recent in November 2025, alongside a geometric assessment in October 2025.
Emergency services acted swiftly with nearly 800 personnel attending the scene, praised by Antonio Sanz for their rapid and coordinated response. The Junta de Andalucía has completed identification of the deceased and deactivated the emergency plan, moving towards recovery.
Politically, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has requested to address Congress to discuss the crisis, while opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo criticized the government for insufficient transparency and accountability in managing the tragedy. The government has committed to full transparency during the ongoing investigations. Laboratory tests are being conducted on rail fragments to determine the exact cause of the fracture.
Memorial services are planned to honor the victims, with a public event scheduled for January 29, 2026, at the Cathedral of Córdoba, and an additional tribute at Madrid's Catedral de la Almudena, organized by the Madrid regional government.
This accident marks one of Spain's deadliest rail disasters in recent history, triggering widespread mourning and scrutiny of railway safety protocols. The investigation continues to examine all factors leading to the accident as the nation grapples with the loss and looks for answers.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
