At least 21 people died and several others were injured after a high-speed train collided with another in Spain's Cordoba province on Sunday.
Reports indicate that the accident occurred near Adamuz when the high-speed Iryo train, carrying over 300 passengers, derailed and collided with an AVE train. The Iryo train was travelling from Malaga to Madrid-Puerta de Atocha, while the AVE train, operated by Spain's state-owned Renfe, was en route from Madrid to Huelva.
Two high-speed trains derailed in southern Spain, according to the rail network operator, with video showing tilted carriages and passengers exiting through windows https://t.co/gEIAGxw3lf pic.twitter.com/RSMQVZH6Vk
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 18, 2026
According to Euro News, several train coaches were severely damaged in the collision, with eyewitnesses describing the impact as feeling like an earthquake. Passengers also reported smoke inside the trains and sought medical assistance.
In response to the incident, all train services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended until further notice. Emergency services have been deployed to the scene, with the Red Cross mobilising one medical ambulance from Cordoba and three additional ambulances from Jaen.
Juanma Moreno, head of Andalucia's regional government, told reporters early Monday that of the 75 people hospitalised, 15 are in serious condition.
"The impact of the accident was extremely violent… we may find more victims," he said, adding that heavy machinery would be required to remove the mangled wreckage of the trains and search for any additional casualties.
According to El País, the second train was travelling at around 200 km/h (124 mph) at the time of the collision, though the speed of the first train remains unclear.
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated that he is closely monitoring the situation from the ADIF Operations Control Centre and will provide updates as confirmed information becomes available.
