High-Speed Train Crash in Adamuz, Spain: At Least 39 Dead
Details of the Accident
On the evening of Sunday, January 18, 2026, a devastating collision occurred on the Madrid–Seville high-speed line near the town of Adamuz in southern Spain. The accident happened around 7:45 p.m. local time when the rear carriages of an Iryo high-speed train, travelling from Málaga to Madrid, derailed on a straight section of recently renovated track. The derailed carriages crossed onto the parallel track, where they were struck by an oncoming Renfe Alvia train travelling from Madrid to Huelva.
The force of the collision caused the first two carriages of the Renfe train to plunge down a 4-meter embankment, where they sustained the most severe damage. Emergency services faced a complex and harrowing rescue operation, working through the night in difficult conditions to reach passengers trapped in the twisted wreckage.
Casualties and Response
The confirmed death toll stands at at least 39 people, with authorities cautioning that this number is not final and is likely to rise as recovery operations continue. At least 245 people were injured, with dozens in serious or critical condition. Among the deceased was the driver of the Renfe train.
A massive emergency response was mobilised, involving firefighters, the Civil Guard, the Spanish Red Cross, and the Military Emergencies Unit. Survivors described scenes of chaos, with passengers using emergency hammers to break windows and escape. Major train stations, such as Madrid's Atocha, set up support centres for affected families.
Investigation and Aftermath
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the crash as "extremely strange" and "very difficult to explain," noting it occurred on a straight, modernised track with new trains. An official independent investigation has been launched to determine the cause. Initial statements from rail officials have ruled out excessive speed as a factor, with both trains reportedly travelling under the 250 km/h limit for that section.
This marks the first fatal accident on Spain's high-speed network since it began operations in 1992 and is the country's deadliest rail disaster since the 2013 Santiago de Compostela derailment. All high-speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended. Spain's political leaders, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI, have expressed profound sorrow and are visiting the region.
