A devastating train accident in Spain has left at least 21 people dead and dozens injured after two passenger trains collided in Andalusia, southern Spain, on Sunday evening.
Spanish authorities say the cause of the crash remains unknown, and a full investigation is now underway.
The incident has shocked Spain and prompted condolences from leaders across Europe, including the Spanish Prime Minister and the European Commission President.
What happened in the Spanish train accident near Cordoba?
The crash happened at around 7.45pm local time on Sunday near the village of Adamuz, close to Cordoba.
According to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif, the rear section of a high-speed train travelling from Malaga to Madrid, carrying around 300 passengers, derailed and crossed onto the opposite track.
🚨 BREAKING | 21 DEAD, 100+ injured in Train accident ,SPAIN 🚆💥
21 DEAD, 100+ injured after a high-speed train collision in southern Spain near Adamuz (Córdoba). One train derailed, crossed tracks & slammed into an oncoming service.• Two high-speed trains derailed
•… pic.twitter.com/S7r891JM8J— GLOBAL PULSE 360 (@DataIsKnowldge) January 19, 2026
It then crashed head-on into an oncoming train from Madrid to Huelva, which had about 200 passengers on board.
Spain’s transport minister, Oscar Puente, confirmed that: “The back part of one train derailed and collided with the front of the other train, causing severe damage.”
The front carriages of the second train were knocked off the track and fell down a four-metre slope, taking the full force of the impact.
How many people were killed or injured?
As of early Monday morning:
- 21 people have been confirmed dead
- 75 passengers are being treated in the hospital
- 15 people are seriously injured
- Dozens more were treated at the scene
Minister Puente warned that the death toll could still rise as authorities continue formal identification procedures.
Most of the injured were taken to hospitals in Cordoba city, according to Andalusia’s regional government.
Who was involved, and which train companies were operating?
The trains involved were operated by two different companies:
- Iryo – a private rail company, operating the Malaga to Madrid service
- Renfe – Spain’s state-owned rail operator, running the Madrid to Huelva train
Iryo said in a statement that it “Deeply laments what has happened and is fully cooperating with the authorities.”
The derailed Iryo train was reported to be less than four years old, while the section of track had been renovated in May 2025, adding to the mystery surrounding the crash.
What do we know about the cause of the crash?
At this stage, the cause of the Spanish train accident is unknown. Transport minister Oscar Puente described the incident as: “A truly strange accident.”
He noted that it occurred on a flat stretch of modernised track, where no immediate faults had been reported.
When asked how long the investigation might take, Mr Puente said it could be up to one month before clear answers are available.
What did passengers and emergency services witness?
Journalist Salvador Jimenez, who was on one of the trains, told Spanish broadcaster RTVE: “It felt like an earthquake. The train had derailed.”
El presidente del Gobierno, Pedro Sánchez, ha mostrado sus condolencias a los familiares de las víctimas a través de sus redes sociales.
— RTVE (@rtve) January 19, 2026
Passengers used emergency hammers to smash windows, and video footage shared on social media shows people climbing out of tilted carriages in the darkness.
Emergency crews, including:
- Spain’s Civil Guard
- Civil Defence
- Military emergency units
- Spanish Red Cross
worked through the night in difficult conditions. The crash site was described as hard to reach, with local residents bringing blankets and water to help survivors.
How have Spanish and European leaders responded?
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Tonight is one of deep sadness for our country. My sincerest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.”
Hoy es una noche de profundo dolor para nuestro país por el trágico accidente ferroviario en Adamuz.
Quiero expresar mis más sinceras condolencias a las familias y seres queridos de las víctimas.
Ninguna palabra puede aliviar un sufrimiento tan grande, pero quiero que sepan que…
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) January 18, 2026
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also expressed their condolences, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was closely following the “terrible news” from Cordoba.
