A tragic rail disaster near Córdoba has disrupted transport across southern Spain and triggered a nationwide emergency response.
Collision After Derailment Near Adamuz
At least 39 people have been killed and 152 injured after a high-speed train derailed and collided with another oncoming service in southern Spain, according to police sources cited by state broadcaster RTVE. The accident occurred at around 7:45pm local time on Sunday near the town of Adamuz in the province of Córdoba, approximately 360 kilometres south of Madrid.
Authorities said an Iryo-operated high-speed train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed and crashed onto an adjacent track, where it struck a Renfe Alvia service heading from Madrid to Huelva. Both trains subsequently derailed, with the Renfe train plunging down the side of a railway embankment.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
There were around 400 passengers on the two trains combined — more than 300 on the Iryo service and about 100 on the Renfe train. Most passengers were Spanish nationals travelling to or from Madrid after the weekend. Emergency services rushed to the scene, working through the night under floodlights to rescue survivors from twisted and overturned carriages.
Rescuers reported that many victims were trapped inside severely damaged coaches, particularly in the first two carriages of the Renfe train. Córdoba fire chief Paco Carmona said the operation was extremely challenging due to crushed metal and narrow access points, warning that heavy machinery would be needed and that further bodies might still be recovered.
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Widespread Disruption and Official Response
More than 200 train services between Madrid and the Andalusia region — including routes to Córdoba, Seville and Granada — were cancelled on Monday. Rail infrastructure operator Adif suspended all services on the affected corridor as investigations began.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cleared his schedule to focus on the tragedy, while Spain’s King and Queen were briefed on developments. Foreign embassies also contacted staff to confirm their safety.
Cause Under Investigation
Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente said the cause of the derailment remains unknown and described the incident as “highly unusual,” noting that it occurred on a straight section of track that had been renewed in May. Investigators are now examining technical data and infrastructure conditions to determine what led to the crash.
Both rail operators expressed deep regret and said they had activated emergency protocols to support passengers and cooperate fully with authorities as the investigation continues.
