Spain is reeling from one of its deadliest rail disasters in more than a decade after two high speed trains collided near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province on the evening of January 18, 2026.

As the death toll rises and investigators work to piece together what went wrong, authorities have issued sweeping travel alerts and suspended key rail corridors that millions of residents and visitors rely on.

For travelers already in Spain or planning to arrive in the coming days, the accident is reshaping how to move around the country and raising fresh questions about rail safety on one of Europe’s flagship high speed networks.

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What Happened Near Córdoba on January 18

The disaster unfolded shortly before 8 p.m. local time on Sunday, January 18, when a high speed service traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed on a straight stretch of track near Adamuz, about 20 kilometers from the city of Córdoba. According to Spain’s rail infrastructure manager Adif and regional emergency officials, the derailed train crossed onto the adjacent line and struck another high speed service that was traveling from Madrid to Huelva. Both trains then derailed, scattering mangled carriages along an embankment in a rural area that is difficult to access.

Initial figures from national and regional authorities indicate that at least 21 people have been confirmed dead, with that number expected to rise as rescue teams finish searching the wreckage. More than 70 passengers have been reported injured, around 30 of them in serious condition. Local officials have warned repeatedly that the casualty figures remain provisional because some carriages were badly crushed and one plunged down a slope, complicating efforts to reach all compartments.

Between the two trains, roughly 450 to 500 passengers are thought to have been on board. The Málaga to Madrid train was operated by private company Iryo, while the Madrid to Huelva service belonged to state owned Renfe. Survivors told Spanish broadcasters that the impact felt like an earthquake, with suitcases and passengers thrown across aisles and smoke filling some cars as emergency lights flickered or failed. Many described smashing windows with emergency hammers and climbing out into the cold night to escape.

Firefighters, specialized rescue units, the military’s emergency response team and Red Cross volunteers worked through the night under floodlights, cutting into twisted metal to reach trapped passengers. Helicopters, mobile intensive care units and dozens of ambulances ferried the injured to hospitals in Córdoba, Jaén and other Andalusian cities, while authorities in Madrid also placed major hospitals on standby to receive additional victims if needed.

Rising Death Toll and the Condition of the Injured

By the morning of Monday, January 19, Spain’s transport minister and Andalusian regional officials were reporting at least 21 fatalities and more than 70 people injured. Of those injured, about 30 were categorized as being in serious condition, many with multiple trauma injuries consistent with high speed impacts and carriage rollovers. Regional emergency chiefs cautioned that the death toll could still climb as rescuers accessed the most damaged cars and as some critically injured passengers fought for their lives in hospital intensive care units.

Health authorities said that at least 70 to 80 injured passengers had been distributed across several hospitals, including facilities in Córdoba city and nearby provincial capitals. Trauma teams, orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgical units were called in, and blood donation centers in Andalusia appealed to the public for extra supplies. Spain’s military emergency unit set up field support, while the Red Cross opened psychological care points for survivors and relatives shaken by the crash.

Among the dead is believed to be at least one of the train drivers, who was in the leading cab of the Madrid to Huelva service when it was struck. Officials have not yet released comprehensive details on the nationalities of victims, but given the popularity of high speed rail for both domestic and foreign travelers in Spain, it is expected that the passenger list will include tourists as well as residents. Embassies in Madrid have started working with Spanish authorities to identify foreign nationals and to assist families seeking information.

Spain’s prime minister, regional leaders and King Felipe VI have all described the crash as a national tragedy and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Flags are flying at half mast on public buildings across parts of the country as investigators and forensic teams continue their meticulous work at the crash site.

Massive Disruption to Rail Travel Across Spain

Beyond the immediate human toll, the Córdoba train disaster has triggered major disruption on some of Spain’s busiest rail corridors, including routes that are essential for both business and tourism. Adif and the transport ministry moved quickly to suspend high speed services on the affected line, effectively cutting direct rail links between Madrid and several important Andalusian destinations, among them Córdoba, Seville, Málaga and Huelva.

As of Monday, January 19, high speed rail traffic on this axis has been halted at least for the day, with authorities warning that disruptions and cancellations could extend for several days or longer depending on the progress of rescue operations, wreckage removal and initial track inspections. Trains already en route on Sunday evening were ordered to turn back to their origin stations for safety reasons, leaving thousands of passengers stranded in cities such as Madrid, Seville and Málaga. Rail staff have been attempting to rebook travelers on alternative services, while bus operators are scrambling to increase capacity on long distance routes.

Renfe has activated a disruption protocol that allows affected passengers to change their tickets, request refunds or rebook for later dates without penalty. However, with key lines out of service and rolling stock tied up in emergency operations, options remain limited. Travelers have reported long queues at station information points and on customer service hotlines as they seek updates and replacement journeys. In Córdoba itself, local authorities have used sports centers and municipal facilities as temporary reception hubs for survivors and displaced passengers.

While Spain’s extensive rail network offers alternative routes on some north south and east west corridors, journey times between Madrid and Andalusia are currently longer and less predictable, particularly for travelers who rely on the normally frequent high speed AVE and competing services. Airlines flying domestic routes such as Madrid Seville and Madrid Málaga are likely to see a short term rise in demand, and several low cost carriers have indicated they are monitoring capacity needs, though no large scale emergency airlift had been announced by Monday morning.

What We Know So Far About the Cause

Despite the intense public pressure to find answers, authorities have emphasized that it will take time to determine exactly why the Málaga to Madrid train derailed and collided with the oncoming service. Investigators from Spain’s rail accident investigation commission, forensic teams and technical experts from Adif are all involved in the inquiry, which will examine infrastructure, rolling stock, signaling systems, operational procedures and human factors.

Early statements from Adif suggest that the Iryo operated Málaga to Madrid train derailed as it was passing through a set of points near Adamuz and somehow crossed onto the adjacent track. The section of line is part of the Madrid Seville high speed corridor, which was refurbished in recent years and is generally regarded as one of the most modern rail arteries in Europe. Officials have described the crash as extremely unusual, noting that it occurred on a largely straight, flat section of track rather than on a sharp curve or in challenging terrain.

Both trains are believed to have been traveling at high speed at the time of the accident. Local media have cited internal sources suggesting that the Madrid to Huelva service may have been running at or near typical high speed cruising levels as it entered the section where the derailed train had strayed onto its path. The black box style data recorders from both train sets have reportedly been recovered and are expected to provide detailed information on speed, braking, signaling and driver actions in the minutes and seconds before the collision.

Investigators will also scrutinize maintenance logs, recent works on the track and signaling, and any prior incidents or alerts related to the switching equipment near Adamuz. Weather conditions at the time were described as normal for a winter evening in southern Spain, with no immediate indication that heavy rain, wind or visibility issues played a role. Authorities have urged the public and media to avoid speculation until the technical investigation produces preliminary findings, which could take several weeks.

Impact on Tourists and Travel Plans

The Córdoba train disaster comes during a period when Spain’s tourism sector is strong and international travel to the country is robust, including to southern destinations such as Seville, Córdoba, Granada and the Costa del Sol. High speed rail links are a central pillar of many itineraries, allowing visitors to zip between Madrid and Andalusian cities in two to three hours. With those corridors now severely disrupted, travelers currently in Spain or planning imminent trips will need to adapt quickly.

For visitors already holding tickets for Madrid Andalusia high speed services in the coming days, the first step is to check with the operator listed on the ticket. Renfe and Iryo are both posting updates through their usual customer communication channels and announcing cancellation and refund policies. Even if a train has not yet been officially canceled, schedules are in flux, and same day confirmation is strongly advised before heading to a station.

Travelers should also be prepared for longer journey times. Conventional rail routes remain available in some cases, but they are slower and may require changes. Long distance bus companies connecting Madrid with Córdoba, Seville, Málaga and other southern cities are reporting increased demand and are adding buses where possible, but tickets may sell out rapidly around peak dates. For those comfortable flying, domestic flights between Madrid and major Andalusian airports are operating normally and may be the most time efficient alternative, although fares can rise when demand spikes.

Tour operators and group travel organizers with itineraries that rely on high speed trains are revising schedules, including swapping rail segments for coaches or reordering destinations to reduce backtracking. Hotel bookings in Andalusian cities remain intact, but some guests are arriving later than planned or choosing to shorten their stays because of the transport uncertainty. For independent travelers, flexibility and contingency planning have become essential, especially for tight connections such as cruise departures, early morning flights or nonrefundable events.

Government Response and Safety Reassurances

Spain’s central government and the Andalusian regional administration have moved to reassure the public that everything possible is being done both to respond to the immediate emergency and to guarantee the long term safety of the rail system. The prime minister traveled to the region on Monday to meet rescuers, victims and local officials, describing the accident as a night of deep pain for the country. The transport minister has announced the creation of a formal commission of inquiry alongside the ongoing technical investigation, with a mandate to make safety recommendations as soon as possible.

Adif has stressed that high speed operations on other lines remain safe and that there is no evidence, at this stage, of a systemic problem affecting the entire network. Nonetheless, additional safety checks have been ordered on switching equipment and critical infrastructure on similar stretches of line, and internal reviews are under way at both Renfe and Iryo. The companies have opened dedicated information points and hotlines for passengers and families seeking news about those who were onboard the two trains.

Regional leaders in Andalusia have publicly praised the response of emergency services, local residents and volunteers, many of whom brought blankets, water and food to survivors waiting in the cold night for evacuation. Psychological support teams have been dispatched to hospitals and reception centers in Córdoba and other cities, where survivors are coping with shock and grief. National days of mourning are under discussion as the country processes the scale of the disaster.

Internationally, European leaders and transport officials are following the investigation closely. Spain’s high speed rail network is often cited as a model for other countries, and although serious accidents are rare, the Córdoba crash is likely to prompt fresh debate about how to manage growing traffic on busy corridors where multiple operators share infrastructure. The findings of the investigation may have implications beyond Spain’s borders, particularly if they touch on train control systems, interoperability standards or cross border technology used elsewhere in Europe.

Practical Advice for Travelers in and Heading to Spain

For travelers currently in Spain, the key message from authorities and operators is to stay informed and allow extra time for all journeys, especially those involving transfers or tight schedules. High speed routes between Madrid and Andalusia are the most affected, but knock on disruptions may ripple into other parts of the network as rolling stock and crews are repositioned. Checking train status on the day of travel is essential, and passengers should consider having a backup plan, such as an alternative departure time, a different mode of transport or even an overnight stay if necessary.

Those who have not yet departed for Spain but are due to travel in the coming days should review their itineraries to see how heavily they rely on the Madrid Andalusia high speed axis. If a crucial leg of the trip depends on that corridor, contacting airlines, rail companies or tour operators before departure can clarify options for rerouting. Travel insurance policies may offer coverage for delays or cancellations caused by major transport disruptions, but terms vary widely, so reading the fine print and keeping documentation of any cancellations or schedule changes is important.

Within Spain, domestic air travel and long distance buses remain the principal alternatives to high speed rail between Madrid and southern destinations. Car rentals are another option for travelers comfortable driving under local conditions, though demand may increase and availability may tighten at short notice, particularly in gateway cities like Madrid and Málaga. Travelers who decide to self drive should factor in tolls, fuel prices and parking, especially in historic centers where access is restricted.

Authorities emphasize that despite the severity of the Córdoba disaster, the vast majority of journeys across Spain continue without incident, and the country’s overall transport infrastructure remains robust. However, for the immediate future, anyone moving through central and southern Spain will need to navigate an evolving situation on the rails. Remaining flexible, monitoring official announcements and building additional time into travel days will be critical strategies for minimizing disruption while the investigation unfolds and the country works to restore full service on its flagship high speed lines.