Chicago – January 19, 2026
At least 39 people were killed after a high-speed train collision in southern Spain, authorities confirmed on Monday, as emergency crews continued rescue and recovery operations near the crash site.
The accident occurred Sunday evening around 7:45 p.m. near Cordoba, when a train traveling from Malaga to Madrid, carrying approximately 300 passengers, partially derailed. According to Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif, the rear section of the train left the tracks and collided with another train traveling from Madrid to Huelva, a city in southern Spain.
The powerful impact caused widespread destruction, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Rescue efforts were still ongoing Monday morning, with teams working through the night to locate survivors and assist the injured.
Andalusia’s regional president, Juanma Moreno, stated that at least 75 passengers were hospitalized, most of them transferred to medical facilities in Cordoba, located about 390 kilometers (242 miles) south of Madrid. Several victims were reported to be in serious condition, though officials have not released full details on the causes of the derailment.
The Spanish Red Cross established an emergency assistance center in the nearby town of Adamuz, close to the crash location. The center is providing support to rescue teams and offering information and aid to families searching for loved ones.
Throughout the night, members of Spain’s Civil Guard and Civil Defense remained at the scene, coordinating rescue operations and securing the area. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine what led to the derailment and subsequent collision.
The tragedy marks one of the deadliest rail accidents in Spain in recent years, raising renewed concerns about rail safety and high-speed train operations. Government officials are expected to provide further updates as investigations continue and more information becomes available.
