Spanish PM Promises Thorough Investigation into Deadly Train Collision

Tue Jan 20 2026 05:23:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of Spain’s worst rail disaster in over a decade, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pledges to uncover the truth behind the tragic high-speed train crash that claimed at least 40 lives. A national mourning period has been declared as rescue operations continue.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has vowed to investigate the cause of a catastrophic train collision that resulted in at least 40 deaths and more than 120 injuries. The accident, which occurred in Adamuz, involved two high-speed trains and has been described as the worst rail disaster in the country in over ten years. Rescue efforts persist as the investigation reveals potential faults in the train tracks.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has promised to get to the bottom of why two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain, killing at least 40 people, as rescuers continue to search the wreckage.

After visiting the site of the crash, Sanchez announced three days of national mourning for the victims.

More than 120 additional individuals were injured when carriages derailed, crossing over to opposite tracks, and collided with an oncoming train in Adamuz. The crash is the worst the country has experienced in over a decade.

Rail network operator Adif stated the collision occurred at 19:45 local time on Sunday, shortly after one of the trains departed Málaga for Madrid, derailing near Córdoba.

Transport Minister Óscar Puente noted that the crash forcefully pushed the carriages of the second train into an embankment, with most casualties occurring in the front carriages of the southbound train from Madrid.

Rescue teams faced challenges retrieving trapped passengers from the twisted wreckage. Sanchez expressed compassion for the victims and assured transparency in uncovering the tragedy's cause.

A preliminary investigation hinted at a possible fault in a rail joint that may have led to the disaster. Puente anticipated the full investigation could take at least a month, labeling the incident as “extremely strange.”

Four hundred passengers and staff were on board the two trains, with emergency services treating 122 individuals, including 41 who remain hospitalized, 12 in critical condition.

Testimonies from survivors described the impact as feeling like an earthquake, while rescue operations are ongoing. The Spanish Red Cross has deployed support services to assist families affected by the tragedy.