Multiple Train Crashes in Spain Kill 44 and Raise Safety Concerns
January 22, 2026
Spain has seen three serious train accidents this week, sparking safety questions on its rail network. On Sunday evening, a high-speed train from Malaga to Madrid derailed near Adamuz in Cordoba province. It crashed into another train coming from Madrid to Huelva. At least 43 people died and over 150 were injured. The impact was so strong that bodies were found hundreds of meters away, said regional President Juan Manuel Moreno. Authorities identified almost all victims. Both trains were said to be moving below the 250 kph speed limit, and human error was ruled out by Renfe president Alvaro Fernandez. Transport Minister Oscar Puente described the crash as "truly strange" because it happened on freshly renovated flat tracks. Officials found a broken track section but are still unsure if it caused or resulted from the derailment. The derailed train belonged to private operator Iryo, which confirms it was new and safety-certified. In August, the Spanish Union of Railway Drivers warned about track flaws and called for a strike demanding better safety. Spain has Europe’s largest high-speed rail network, known for safety. Sunday's crash was the first deadly accident on this network since 1992. Meanwhile, a commuter train crash near Barcelona on Tuesday killed one and injured 37 when a retaining wall collapsed on the tracks. Another crash in Murcia on Thursday injured six after a commuter train hit a crane. While high-speed trains usually operate smoothly, commuter lines in Spain face occasional reliability issues, but accidents with deaths remain rare.
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Tags:
Spain
Train Crash
Rail Safety
High-Speed Train
Railway accident
Commuter Train
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