Spain high-speed train crash 2026: At least 40 dead in 80-year worst disaster

It's one of Europe's deadliest railway disasters in 80 years. At least 40 people died on Sunday night after two high-speed trains collided near Adamuz in southern Spain. The collision, occurring on January 19, 2026, has left 12 people in intensive care and triggered a massive search for 43 missing persons, according to emergency services.

Investigation into the Spain high-speed train crash 2026

The incident began when an Iryo train traveling from Malaga to Madrid at 110 kph derailed. Just 20 seconds later, a second train heading to Huelva at 200 kph smashed into the wreckage. Initial reports from Reuters suggest a faulty rail joint might've been the primary cause. This broken joint reportedly created a widening gap that became critical as trains passed over it.

Warnings Ignored Amidst Infrastructure Concerns

Questions are now mounting over whether this was a preventable tragedy. The train drivers' union, Semaf, had previously warned the state infrastructure manager Adif about 'severe wear and tear' on the Madrid-Andalusia line in a letter sent in August. Despite these warnings and a line renovation just last May, the catastrophic failure occurred.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez cancelled his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos to oversee the response. Meanwhile, Adif and Iryo have launched full investigations into the 'strange conditions' of the crash. Experts are particularly focused on a missing wheel from the Iryo train that hasn't been located yet.