Spain is mourning after a deadly high-speed train crash near Cordoba in southern Spain killed at least 39 people on Sunday evening. A Málaga–Madrid Iryo service carrying around 300 passengers partially derailed and struck an oncoming Renfe train travelling from Madrid to Huelva.
The collision occurred near the municipality of Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba, at 7.45pm local time. A Málaga–Madrid Iryo service carrying around 300 passengers partially derailed and struck an oncoming Renfe train travelling from Madrid to Huelva.
Authorities said the tail end of the Iryo train left the tracks before hitting the second train. The Renfe service also derailed and fell down an embankment. The exact number of passengers on board the Renfe train remains unclear.
Rescue operations continued through the night and into Monday morning. Andalusia’s regional president, Juanma Moreno, said 75 injured passengers were taken to hospital. Emergency services remained at the scene under difficult conditions.
Transport minister Óscar Puente warned that the death toll could rise. Writing on X, he said the confirmed number of fatalities had reached 39 but was not final. He thanked rescue teams for their work throughout the night. “The death toll has already reached 39 and is not definitive. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the tremendous work of the rescue teams throughout the night, under very difficult circumstances.”
Prime minister Pedro Sánchez announced he would visit the crash site later today. In a message posted on X, he described the night as one of deep pain for the country. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said the entire nation stood with them.
“Tonight is a night of deep pain for our country due to the tragic railway accident in Adamuz. I want to express my most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
No words can alleviate such immense suffering, but I want them to know that the entire country stands with them in this extremely difficult moment. All emergency services are working in a coordinated manner without rest.”
Italian owned Iryo expresses regret
Iryo confirmed that service 6189, operating the Málaga–Madrid route, was involved in the incident. The train departed Málaga at 6.40pm. The company said approximately 300 passengers were on board.
In a statement, Iryo said it deeply regretted the incident. It said it had activated all emergency protocols and was working closely with authorities. The company also set up a support line for families and affected individuals.
Iryo is owned by a consortium made up of Trenitalia (51%), Air Nostrum, and Globalvia. The group operates under the name Intermodalidad de Levante, or ILSA. It launched Spain’s first private high-speed rail service in competition with state operator Renfe.
Police said rescue efforts were still ongoing on Monday. Investigators have not yet confirmed the cause of the derailment and collision.
The crash is one of the deadliest rail accidents in Spain in recent years. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation.
