Spain Train Crash 2026: At Least 39 Dead in Adamuz High-Speed Collision Near Córdoba
A high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming train near Adamuz in southern Spain Sunday evening killing at least 39 people injuring 122. The collision happened around 8:45 PM local time Córdoba province—Spain’s deadliest rail accident in over 13 years. Over 400 passengers aboard both trains when northbound service derailed straight track section crashed southbound high-speed train.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited site Monday declared three days national mourning vowed “absolute transparency” investigation. Renfe (state operator) Iryo (private high-speed) trains involved rescue operations continue.
Crash Details: What Happened
Incident occurred Adamuz Córdoba province Andalucía region. Northbound regional train derailed first carriage collided head-on southbound Iryo high-speed service Madrid-Seville route. Both trains left tracks massive wreckage eyewitnesses described “explosion-like” impact fire broke out immediately.
Authorities confirm 39 confirmed fatalities 122 injured—17 critical condition Córdoba hospitals. Rescue teams extracted survivors twisted metal worked through night black box analyzers en route determine speed signal status weather conditions.
Death Toll and Casualties
| Status | Number |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 39 |
| Injured | 122 |
| Critical | 17 |
| Missing | 0 |
| Total Passengers | 400+ |
Affected Location: Adamuz, Córdoba Province
Adamuz small town Córdoba province Andalucía southern Spain. Crash site rural straight track section high-speed line opened 2019. Nearest major city Córdoba 50km north Seville Madrid major destinations.
Official Response and Investigation
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez: “Deeply saddened” announced three days mourning promised thorough transparent probe. Spanish Transport Minister called crash “extremely serious” experts “baffled” straight track good weather conditions.
Pope Francis expressed condolences victims families. Renfe halted services Córdoba-Seville line indefinite period black boxes signal data under analysis. European Railway Agency likely assist technical investigation.
Spain’s Train Safety Record
Worst prior incident Santiago de Compostela 2013—79 killed Alvia train overspeeded sharp curve. Spain boasts Europe’s safest rail networks high-speed AVE lines operate 300km/h safety record. Sunday collision first major high-speed incident since 2013.
Global Reactions
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar offered condolences. International leaders expressed solidarity Spain’s handling praised. Aviation maritime sectors reviewed protocols solidarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the train crash in Spain?
Investigation ongoing—preliminary reports indicate northbound train derailed collided oncoming high-speed service. Black box analysis underway determine speed signals track conditions.
How many people died in the Spain train crash?
At least 39 confirmed dead 122 injured. Death toll rose Monday rescue operations continue.
Where in Spain did the train crash happen?
Near Adamuz Córdoba province Andalucía southern Spain rural high-speed line section.
What was the worst train crash in history?
China 1945—over 1,000 killed derailment collision. Spain’s worst 2013 Santiago 79 deaths.
Renfe train crash details?
Renfe regional northbound service derailed first collided Iryo high-speed southbound Madrid-Seville.
Spain train crash underscores high-speed rail vulnerability despite safety advances. Full investigation expected reveal technical human factors behind tragedy. Families await answers Spain mourns 39 lost.
Sources: BBC NYT AP Reuters.Updated January 19, 2026 8:12 PM IST.
