At least 21 people were killed after a high-speed train derailed and struck another oncoming train in southern Spain on Sunday, according to police sources. The violent collision pushed the second train off the tracks, injuring more than 100 passengers.
The accident occurred near Adamuz, in Cordoba province. State broadcaster Television Española reported that at least 25 of the injured remain in serious condition. The driver of one of the trains, which was travelling from Madrid to Huelva, was among those who died.
Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif said the Iryo 6189 train, travelling from Malaga toward Madrid, derailed at 6:40 pm local time. The train crashed onto an adjacent track moments later, striking a Renfe-operated service heading to Huelva. Both trains left the tracks following the impact.
The Iryo service involved was a Frecciarossa 1000 high-speed train operated by Iryo, which is majority-owned by Ferrovie dello Stato. The company expressed deep regret and said it had activated all emergency protocols while fully cooperating with authorities. Renfe, which ran the second train, has not yet issued a public statement.
Two high-speed trains (Iryo Malaga-Madrid & Renfe AVE Madrid-Huelva) derailed in Adamuz, Cordoba, after one invaded the adjacent track.
At least 5 dead, multiple injured. Madrid-Andalusia AVE service halted. pic.twitter.com/zFC4TkVeGK
— Vegas ⚔️ (@vegasyx) January 18, 2026More than 300 passengers were on board the Iryo train, while around 100 people were travelling on the Renfe service. Cordoba fire chief Paco Carmona said rescue teams evacuated the Iryo train quickly, but severe damage to the other train complicated rescue efforts. He described twisted metal, destroyed seats, and passengers trapped inside narrow spaces.
Spain’s Transport Minister Oscar Puente said the situation was extremely serious. He confirmed that the first two carriages of the Renfe train were thrown off the tracks and stressed that helping victims remained the top priority. Rail services between Madrid and Andalusia were suspended following the crash.
Local officials described chaotic scenes at the site. Adamuz Mayor Rafael Moreno said he witnessed bodies near the wreckage shortly after arriving. He called the scene horrific and said residents immediately focused on assisting survivors.
At least two people died and several were injured on Sunday after two high-speed trains derailed in the province of #Córdoba, #Spain. The accident occurred when an Iryo train traveling between Málaga and Madrid left its tracks and crossed into the adjacent lane. pic.twitter.com/ydITKtvKfD
— Mina (@Mina696645851) January 19, 2026Emergency centres were set up in Adamuz, where local residents brought food and blankets for stranded passengers. Television footage showed evacuees gathered overnight as temperatures dropped sharply.
Several passengers shared firsthand accounts on social media. One woman said the Iryo train began shaking violently minutes after leaving Cordoba before the lights went out. Another video showed railway staff instructing passengers to stay calm, preserve phone batteries, and assist the injured where possible.
Journalist Salvador Jimenez, who was on board the Iryo train, said passengers used emergency hammers to break windows and escape. He confirmed that rescuers carried injured people from overturned carriages on stretchers.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash as rescue operations continue. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as teams reach all affected areas of the wreckage.
