Spain's Deadliest Rail Disaster in Over a Decade Claims 40 Lives

Tue Jan 20 2026 08:41:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A tragic collision between two high-speed trains in southern Spain has resulted in significant casualties, with ongoing investigations into the cause.

At least 40 people have died and dozens more injured after a collision of two high-speed trains near Córdoba, marking Spain's worst rail accident in more than ten years. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the crash site and announced a three-day mourning period. The cause of the disaster remains unclear, but officials are investigating potential mechanical faults or infrastructure issues.

At least 40 people have died and dozens more have been injured after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain, local authorities have said. The incident near the city of Córdoba has been described by local officials as Spain's worst rail crash in more than a decade.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the scene on Monday, where he announced a three-day mourning period.

The crash occurred at around 19:45 local time on Sunday, about an hour after one of the trains departed Málaga for Madrid. The train derailed and crossed over into the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming train traveling from south Madrid to Huelva. The majority of those killed and injured were in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train.

Initial reports suggest that around 400 passengers and staff were on board the two trains at the time of the incident. Rescue teams are on site but it is currently unclear if there are still people trapped inside the carriages. The head of firefighters in Córdoba stated that the metal of the twisted carriages complicates rescue operations.

The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, with officials suggesting that a mechanical fault or an infrastructure issue could be responsible. Government experts have expressed confusion over the circumstances of the crash, ruling out speed and human error as likely causes.

Amidst the ongoing efforts to understand the tragedy, local emergency services report that 122 people have received medical assistance, with 48 still hospitalized. The process of identifying victims continues as teams work through the wreckage.

Survivors of the accident described the terrifying moments of impact, comparing the shaking of the train to an earthquake. Many have expressed shock and distress regarding the events that unfolded.