Spain Train Horror: 2 Trains Collide in Córdoba, 10+ Feared Dead in Shocking Rail Disaster
Two trains collided in Spain’s southern province of Córdoba, with several feared dead and many injured. Rescue operations are underway as authorities investigate the cause of the deadly rail accident
In a devastating rail disaster that has shaken Europe, two high-speed trains collided on Sunday evening in Spain’s southern province of Córdoba, leaving dozens dead and many more injured as emergency operations continue in challenging conditions.
The tragic incident occurred near the town of Adamuz, about 360 km south of Madrid, when a high-speed Iryo train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and ploughed into an oncoming Renfe Alvia service bound for Huelva. Both trains derailed, and some carriages were pushed down embankments or badly mangled in the impact.
Officials have confirmed at least 21 fatalities and dozens of serious injuries, but authorities warn that the death toll could rise significantly as recovery efforts continue and more victims are located in heavily damaged carriages.
According to official reports, the accident occurred at about 7:45 pm local time on Sunday (18 January 2026) shortly after the Iryo train left Córdoba station heading towards Madrid.
The rear sections of the Iryo train derailed and crossed onto the adjacent track, where the Renfe Alvia train was approaching in the opposite direction. The impact was catastrophic: key carriages of both trains were severely damaged, and at least one of the Renfe train’s carriages plunged down a slope.
Around 400 passengers were estimated to be on board both trains combined, with more than 300 on the Iryo train and about 100 on the Renfe service, according to witnesses and initial reports.
One witness described the collision as feeling like “an earthquake,” with passengers using emergency hammers to break windows and escape from darkened, overturned carriages.
- At least 21 people are confirmed dead, including crew members and passengers.
- Dozens more have been injured, with official counts of at least 75 hospitalised patients, 15 in serious condition.
- Emergency responders and health officials have warned that the death count may rise as rescue teams continue to pull victims from the wreckage.
Local hospitals in Córdoba, Jaén, and Seville are treating the injured, with a temporary emergency triage unit set up at a nearby facility to stabilise passengers before transfer.
Emergency services, including fire crews, paramedics, and specialised search teams, rushed to the scene amid difficult conditions. The terrain near the crash site — involving embankments and mangled metal wreckage — has made extraction operations slow and challenging.
Local residents also mobilised immediately to help, offering blankets, water, and shelter for survivors and assisting emergency crews where possible.
Spanish authorities, including the region’s civil protection units and the Red Cross, are coordinating the ongoing rescue and recovery process, while heavy machinery is being brought in to clear twisted rail cars and locate potential victims.
Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the accident as “truly strange,” particularly because it occurred on a newly renovated section of straight track and involved a relatively new trainset, adding to the urgency of the investigation.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the nation was enduring a “night of deep pain,” expressing condolences to the families of those affected and pledging full support for rescue efforts.
The Andalusia regional president, Juanma Moreno, warned that the official body count could rise once crews finish accessing the most heavily damaged carriages.
Rail infrastructure operator ADIF confirmed that services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended indefinitely as investigators analyse the cause of the crash and authorities work to ensure the safety of the rail network.
Transport officials have emphasised that the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, with early reports suggesting that the Iryo train derailed before entering the opposite track. The derailment and subsequent collision are now the focus of forensic and technical analysis.
This tragedy is one of the most severe train accidents in Spain in recent years. Preliminary reports suggest that this may be the worst high-speed rail collision since the 2013 Angrois accident near Santiago de Compostela, which claimed many lives.
The severity of this crash has sparked questions about rail safety practices, equipment maintenance, signalling systems, and emergency preparedness, even on parts of the network recently modernised.
European rail safety bodies are likely to observe the ongoing investigation, and Spain’s own authorities may face intense scrutiny over how such a catastrophic collision occurred on a relatively straight and modernised stretch of track.
Passengers caught up in the collision shared harrowing accounts of the moments before and after the crash. One survivor reported the train shaking violently seconds before the derailment, with carriages tilting and lights flickering before impact.
Others spoke of chaos as they evacuated through broken windows, helped by fellow travellers and emergency workers. Despite the trauma, many recount acts of bravery and solidarity among passengers in the immediate aftermath.
Rail travel between Madrid and Andalusia has been suspended as authorities inspect damaged lines and clear debris. This has disrupted services not only on long-distance routes but also commuter and regional connections linked to Córdoba.
Transport agencies are advising travellers to seek alternative routes and stay updated on official changes as the situation evolves.
European leaders, including European Commission officials, have expressed shock and solidarity following the crash. The tragedy underscores the continued importance of rail safety even as countries invest in high-speed and modern railway infrastructure.
