Spain high-speed train crash 2026: 21 confirmed dead in Andalusia collision

A quiet Sunday evening turned into a scene of devastation in southern Spain. According to officials and reports from Reuters, at least 21 people have been killed and dozens more injured after two high-speed trains collided near Adamuz, close to the city of Cordoba on January 18, 2026. Rescue crews are still working tirelessly to extract passengers trapped within the twisted metal of the derailed carriages.

The Spain high-speed train crash 2026 investigation begins

The incident occurred when a high-speed train operated by Iryo, traveling from Malaga to Madrid, derailed and veered onto an adjacent track. It then struck a second train heading in the opposite direction from Madrid to Huelva. Rail network operator Adif stated that approximately 300 passengers were on board the Iryo service. Following the disaster, all rail services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended.

First-hand accounts and Royal condolences

Salvador Jimenez, an RTVE journalist who was on the train, described the impact as feeling like an "earthquake." He's among the survivors who waited in the freezing night for transport to local relief centers. Meanwhile, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their "great concern" and offered heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragedy via a statement on X.