Tragic Train Collision in Southern Spain Claims 39 Lives

Mon Jan 19 2026 14:59:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating train crash in southern Spain leaves at least 39 people dead and many injured, raising questions about rail safety and the cause of the accident.

In a grave incident involving two high-speed trains in southern Spain near Córdoba, at least 39 individuals have lost their lives and many have sustained injuries. The collision is noted to be the worst rail disaster in over a decade, prompting an immediate investigation into its cause. Local officials are currently working to assess the situation and provide support to those impacted.

At least 39 people have died and dozens more have been injured after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain, the country's Civil Guard has said.

The accident near the city of Córdoba has been described by local officials as Spain's worst rail crash in over a decade.

Here's what we know about the crash so far.

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 to the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming train from Madrid to Huelva, forced into an embankment, according to Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente. The majority of the victims were in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train.

Currently, the cause of the derailment remains unclear, with an investigation launched; however, results are not expected for at least a month. Minister Puente has described the incident as extremely strange, with experts bewildered by the occurrence.

Emergency rescue efforts have involved around 400 passengers and staff from the two trains, but the twisted nature of the carriages complicates rescue operations. Reports indicate that some individuals may still be trapped within the wreckage.

Victims remain unidentfied, and the total death toll could still rise as investigations continue. Among the 112 individuals treated, 48 remain hospitalized, with several in critical condition.