A head-on collision between two high-speed trains near Córdoba, Spain, on January 20, 2026, has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 43 fatalities confirmed. Among the deceased was María del Carmen Abril, who was returning from a surprise birthday celebration when her train derailed into an oncoming train.
Eduardo Morán, a doctor at the nearby Reina Sofía Hospital, described the frantic response from medical personnel as they prepared for an overwhelming influx of injured passengers, stating, We were not just preparing the emergency room but also the intensive care unit and surgical theaters. It was crucial to address the wide range of injuries, from scratches to severe mutilations.
The accident occurred in dense woodland, with investigators now probing a potential gap in the track that could have contributed to this catastrophic event—the worst of its kind in over a decade in Spain.
As officials encourage patience amidst the investigation, another derailment near Barcelona, caused by a collapsed wall, has heightened public concern over railway safety in the country. The train drivers' union has called for a strike to protest the deteriorating condition of railways.
For the families affected, the need for answers is urgent. Yamilei, whose brother-in-law Victor Luis Terán was among the victims, expressed her desperation: We just want the truth because we can't handle this uncertainty anymore. As the grieving community calls for accountability, the questions surrounding the safety of Spain’s railways intensify.
