Spain Faces Major Tragedy as Rail Collision Claims 40 Lives

Tue Jan 20 2026 08:33:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a devastating incident, two high-speed trains collided near Córdoba, resulting in at least 40 fatalities and many injuries – marking Spain's worst rail disaster in over a decade.

A catastrophic collision between two trains near Córdoba, Spain, has left at least 40 people dead and dozens injured. The crash, happening late Sunday evening, has been termed the worst rail accident in Spain in over ten years. Emergency response teams are on site, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident, which remains unclear. As of now, the majority of the casualties were in the front cars of one train, and ongoing efforts to rescue trapped passengers continue.

Spain Faces Major Tragedy as Rail Collision Claims 40 Lives

In a devastating incident, two high-speed trains collided near Córdoba, resulting in at least 40 fatalities and many injuries – marking Spain's worst rail disaster in over a decade.

The tragic event occurred on Sunday evening when an Alvia train traveling from Málaga to Madrid derailed before colliding with another train from Madrid bound for Huelva. Local officials confirmed that the majority of the casualties were concentrated in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train.

Emergency responders have been on the scene since the accident, with rescue operations complicated by the precarious condition of the twisted carriages. Reports indicated that some individuals may still be trapped inside the wreckage, leading rescuers to call for heavy machinery to aid in access.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the crash site on Monday and announced a three-day mourning period to honor the victims. He expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their swift action in what he referred to as a moment of pain and tragedy.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with officials stating that it could take months to finalize the report. Transport Minister Óscar Puente characterized the incident as extremely strange, and all testimonies point towards the possibility of either a mechanical failure or an unnoticed infrastructure issue rather than human error or high speeds.

Survivors recounted the frightening moments leading up to the impact, describing it as feeling like an earthquake, with luggage flying and the sound of chaos filling the carriages. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the accident, there remains a pressing need to uncover the precise factors that led to this devastating crash.

Rescue and Investigation Efforts Underway

Currently, around 400 passengers and crew were aboard the two trains at the time of the collision. Latest reports confirm that while many have received medical treatment, efforts continue to identify the deceased and locate any remaining victims.

As investigations proceed, authorities remain hopeful for prompt clarity on the events leading up to this national tragedy.