At Least 21 Dead After Two High-Speed Trains Derail Near Adamuz in Southern Spain

At least 21 people have died and more than 70 have been injured after two high-speed trains derailed and collided near the town of Adamuz in the province of Córdoba, southern Spain, according to ongoing official updates. Emergency services said dozens of passengers were taken to hospital, with some remaining under observation and a number reported in critical condition.

The crash happened on Sunday evening on a high-speed section of line linking Madrid with Andalusian cities. Initial accounts indicate that an Iryo train travelling from Málaga towards Madrid derailed first and crossed onto the opposite track at the moment an Alvia service (operated by Spain’s national rail company) was approaching in the other direction.

Several carriages were badly damaged in the impact. Parts of the Alvia train reportedly fell down an embankment of around four metres, complicating rescue work in the dark. Local authorities described access to the most affected cars as extremely difficult, with emergency crews working for hours to reach trapped passengers.

A night of rescue, shock and uncertainty

Survivors described a violent sequence of braking and jolts, followed by darkness inside the coaches as power failed. Some passengers said ceiling panels and luggage shifted suddenly, while others reported disorientation and confusion as people tried to find exits and reach injured travellers.

Adamuz, a small town of about 4,600 residents, became an emergency hub as lightly injured passengers and those unhurt were moved to a municipal facility for triage, warmth and basic supplies. Residents and volunteers brought blankets and water, while ambulances transported the injured to hospitals in the region.

Spain’s Military Emergency Unit was deployed to support local responders, and forensic and psychological support teams were also mobilised as families arrived seeking information about missing relatives.

Disruption across the Madrid–Andalusia rail corridor

The derailment forced the suspension of high-speed rail services between Madrid and several Andalusian destinations, affecting hundreds of scheduled train movements. Passengers were redirected onto replacement transport where possible, including long-distance coaches from major stations.

Spain’s rail infrastructure manager has issued service updates and notices as work continues at the crash site and investigators begin assessing the line and train equipment involved.

🚨🚆 Two trains derail in Adamuz, leaving at least two dead — reports

INFOAdif said an Iryo AV train derailed at Adamuz and entered an adjacent track, causing a second AV train to derail.

High-speed rail between Madrid and Andalusia was suspended.

Photos and videos from social… pic.twitter.com/W8bChbWmqX

— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) January 18, 2026

Investigation launched into an “extraordinary” crash

Spain’s transport ministry has said an independent commission will investigate what caused the derailment, with officials cautioning against speculation while evidence is gathered. Authorities have emphasised that the priority remains supporting victims and families, and ensuring medical care for the injured.

As rescue operations moved into the early hours, the focus began shifting from evacuation to the careful recovery of victims, alongside the identification process and the provision of psychological support for survivors.

For many families, the night has been defined by waiting — for names, for phone calls, for confirmation. For survivors, it has been defined by a sense of disbelief that they walked away at all.

Sources: Reporting and live updates from El País, service information from Adif, and passenger guidance from Renfe.