A catastrophic train collision in southern Spain has left at least 39 people dead and 152 injured, with the death toll rising as emergency services continue their work at the scene.
Details of the Tragic Derailment
The devastating incident occurred at 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, January 18, 2026, near the town of Adamuz in the province of Cordoba. According to reports, a high-speed train derailed before colliding with a second oncoming train on the same line.
Emergency responders worked through the night in difficult conditions. Images from the site show a scene of severe wreckage, with carriages torn apart by the force of the impact.
Widespread Travel Chaos and Cancellations
In the wake of the disaster, Spanish rail authorities have been forced to cancel a vast number of services. Over 200 train journeys between Madrid and the Andalucia region were cancelled on Monday, causing major disruption for thousands of passengers.
The cancellations primarily affect the key route linking the capital with southern destinations, a major artery for both commuters and long-distance travel. Rail operators are advising passengers to seek alternative arrangements as investigations and recovery work continue.
National Mourning and Political Response
The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has responded to the tragedy by clearing his official agenda for the day. His office stated that his focus is entirely on the crisis, coordinating the national response and offering support to the victims and their families.
The crash represents one of the worst rail disasters in Spain in recent years and has plunged the nation into mourning. An official investigation into the precise cause of the derailment and subsequent collision is now underway.
