At least 39 people have died following a catastrophic high-speed train collision in Spain on the evening of January 19, 2026. The incident occurred near Adamuz around 19:45 local time, when the rear of a train carrying 289 passengers from Málaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an incoming train traveling from Madrid to Huelva. According to the Spanish rail operator, Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias (ADIF), the front of the second train absorbed the majority of the impact.
The force of the collision caused the lead carriages of the second train to be thrown off the tracks, resulting in a devastating drop down a 4-meter slope. Recovery teams discovered some victims’ bodies hundreds of meters from the crash site, highlighting the chaotic aftermath of the incident. In total, 122 people sustained injuries, with 48 individuals still hospitalized and 12 in intensive care, as reported by Reuters.
Witness Accounts and Emergency Response
A survivor, identified only as Ana, recounted her harrowing experience during the crash. “Everything went dark,” she said. “The train tipped to one side… then everything went dark, and all I heard were screams.” Ana was traveling with her sister when the train overturned. Fortunately, she was pulled from the wreckage by fellow passengers, while firefighters rescued her sister. Both were subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The incident marks the highest death toll from a train crash in Spain since the 2013 derailment in Santiago de Compostela, which claimed 80 lives. In a statement shared via his verified X account, Transport Minister Óscar Puente noted that the current death toll is “not final” as rescue efforts continue. He praised the dedication of the rescue teams working under challenging conditions, extending his condolences to the victims and their families.
In response to this tragedy, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced three days of national mourning for those affected. This significant loss has raised concerns regarding the safety of Spain’s rail infrastructure. Reports indicate that ADIF was warned about “severe wear and tear” on high-speed rail tracks as early as 2025.
As the investigation into the collision unfolds, authorities aim to determine the exact causes and prevent future tragedies of this magnitude. The emotional toll on families and communities affected by the crash is immeasurable, as Spain collectively mourns the lives lost in this horrific event.
