Spain suffered one of the most tragic and “strange” railway disasters in modern history on the 18th of January 2026. At least 21 people died and dozens more were hurt in a high-speed collision between two trains near the village of Adamuz, in the Córdoba province of southern Spain.
While the actual crash itself is horrible, the manner in which it happened, and the amount of death it caused, can be attributed not only to the unexplained nature of the whole thing, but the deaths that the country suffered, too. The Sequence of Events. About 7:45 p.m. local time, a high-speed train operated by the private company Iryo, which traveled between Málaga and Madrid, with about 300 people, derailed on a clear, straight section of track.
The back of the train jumped off its rails, onto the next track, into the path of the approaching Renfe public service train with nearly 200 people traveling from Madrid to Huelva.
The impact was catastrophic
The Iryo train crashed into the front part of the Renfe service, mangling carriages and pushing the first two cars of the Renfe train off a 4-meter (13-foot) embankment.
The “Strange” Circumstances
The accident was “truly strange” and “inexplicable,” Spanish Transport Minister Óscar Puente said at an emergency press conference. One of the several reasons investigators have become baffled is this:
A perfectly flat and straight stretch of track which had been completely refurbished in May 2025 suffered the most devastating derailment.
- Modern Fleet: The Iryo train that derailed above was under the age of four years and fitted with modern safety systems.
- Point of Failure: There were no visible obstacles or railroad switches at the first place that the rear carriages left the tracks.
Losses and Rescue Efforts
As of Monday morning, authorities have confirmed:
- 21 Deaths: Including the driver of the Renfe train.
- 73-100 Injuries: At least 30 people are in serious or critical condition at six regional hospitals.
- Rescues: The accident took place in an inaccessible area made difficult for vehicles to reach, and rescuers and locals had to go to work by foot carrying supplies such as blankets and water to that point, in the dark.
Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister, declared it a “night of deep pain” while King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia expressed their deep concern. Rail services between Madrid and Andalusia have been suspended indefinitely as the investigation, which could take more than a month, is launched.
