Train Derailment in Spain Kills 21, Injures Over 100 Near Córdoba

Two high-speed trains derailed and collided near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, southern Spain, on Sunday evening, killing at least 21 people and injuring around 100 others. The crash happened around 6:40 p.m. local time when one train left the tracks and struck another coming from the opposite direction.

Background

High-speed rail lines connect major cities in Spain, carrying thousands of passengers each day between places like Madrid, Málaga, and Huelva. The trains involved ran on a busy route through Andalusia, a region known for its mix of urban centers and rural areas. The Iryo train had left Córdoba station just minutes before the derailment, heading to Madrid with more than 300 passengers on board. It was a Freccia 1000 model operated by the private company Iryo on its Málaga-to-Madrid service. The second train, run by the state-owned Renfe, was traveling from Madrid to Huelva with about 100 people aboard.

Rail travel in Spain has grown popular for its speed and comfort, but accidents like this are rare. The line passes through hilly terrain near Adamuz, a small town about 50 kilometers from Córdoba city. Local roads and emergency access points surround the area, which helped responders reach the site quickly. Spain's rail operator Adif manages the tracks and signals, and both companies confirmed the basic facts of the crash soon after it happened.

This event took place on January 18, 2026, during evening rush hours when many people travel for work or family visits. Weather reports from the area noted clear conditions with no rain or fog that might have played a role. The derailment occurred as the first train went through a railroad switch shortly after stopping at Córdoba-Julio Anguita station, based on early accounts.

Key Details

The Iryo train derailed first, crossing onto the adjacent track and hitting the oncoming Renfe train, which also left the rails. At least one train driver died in the crash. Rescue teams arrived within minutes, pulling passengers from windows and wreckage. Videos from the scene showed people climbing out amid twisted metal and broken glass.

Passenger Accounts and Injuries

Of the roughly 400 people on both trains, about 100 needed medical help. Officials reported 25 serious injuries, with others treated for cuts, bruises, and shock. Hospitals in Córdoba and nearby cities took in the wounded. One passenger on the Iryo train shared her experience online:

"Ten minutes after departing, the train started to shake a lot, and it derailed from coach 6 behind us. The lights went out."

– Passenger on Iryo train 6189

She described chaos as the train jolted violently, with screams and darkness filling the cars. Emergency lights failed, and some passengers used phone flashlights to find exits. Firefighters cut through doors to free those trapped.

Spain's Interior Minister said the first train derailed near Adamuz and impacted the second one head-on after crossing tracks. Police and Civil Guard secured the area, setting up cordons along the rural road. Ambulances lined up for hours, ferrying victims to care.

Adif suspended all high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusia right away. This halt lasted through Monday, January 19, stranding travelers at stations. Replacement buses were not yet available in large numbers, leaving many to wait or find other ways home.

What This Means

Families of the victims now face loss and long recovery for the injured. The death toll started at 21 but could rise as more details emerge; some reports mention up to 24 confirmed dead and 245 injured in updates. Investigators from the Civil Guard and rail authorities began work at dawn, examining the switch, tracks, and train systems for faults.

No cause has been named yet, but the focus falls on why the Iryo train left the tracks so soon after Córdoba station. Signal failures, track issues, or speed problems are common in such probes. The private Iryo operation raises questions about maintenance standards compared to Renfe.

Travelers in Spain will feel the impact for days. The Madrid-Andalusia line handles heavy traffic, so delays affect commuters, tourists, and freight. Local businesses near stations report fewer visitors already. Government teams coordinate with rail firms to inspect all similar routes.

Spain's transport minister visited the site overnight, promising full support for families and a quick inquiry. Support hotlines opened for those affected. Passenger groups called for safety checks on high-speed lines nationwide.

The crash echoes past rail incidents in Spain, like the 2013 Santiago disaster, but this one involved two modern trains on a key corridor. It disrupts daily life for hundreds of thousands who rely on these services. Restoration of full service depends on clearance from experts, likely taking several days. Meanwhile, roads see more traffic as people shift to cars or buses.

Residents near Adamuz heard the impact and rushed to help before professionals arrived. Community centers now serve as gathering spots for information and aid. National leaders expressed condolences, with flags at half-mast on public buildings Monday.