In brief
On January 18, 2026, a serious collision between two high-speed trains near Adamuz, close to Cordoba, Spain, left at least five people dead and dozens injured. The tragic event involved one train derailing while traveling from Malaga to Madrid and colliding with another coming from Madrid to Huelva. Emergency services are currently managing the situation, with all rail services between Madrid and Andalusia suspended. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded, emphasizing government support for the victims and their families.
At least five people have been killed and dozens more injured after two high-speed trains derailed following a collision in southern Spain on Sunday evening.
The accident happened near the town of Adamuz, close to the city of Cordoba, when a high-speed train travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and crashed onto a neighbouring track, rail network operator Adif said.
A second train travelling in the opposite direction, from Madrid to Huelva, also derailed.
Andalusian emergency services reported at least 25 serious injuries among those affected, alongside others suffering from minor injuries.
The crash occurred approximately ten minutes after the train departed Malaga at 18:40 local time (17:40 GMT). Following the incident, all rail services between Madrid and Andalusia have been halted.
Iryo, the private rail company managing the Malaga route, confirmed the derailment and indicated that around 300 passengers were on board at the time.
Salvador Jimenez, a journalist with RTVE who witnessed the incident, recounted, I was in the first carriage. There was a moment when it felt like an earthquake and the train had indeed derailed... they evacuated us using hammers to break the windows.
In response to the tragedy, Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, stated the government is collaborating with emergency services to assist those impacted, while regional president Juanma Moreno expressed deep concern and solidarity for victims and their families.