Spain’s Deadliest Rail Tragedy in Decades: Faulty Track Joint Suspected in High‑Speed Collision Near Córdoba*

A devastating collision between two high‑speed trains in southern Spain has left the nation in mourning, with at least 40 people confirmed dead and dozens more injured, according to regional authorities. The crash, which occurred on Sunday evening near the small town of Adamuz in the province of Córdoba, is now considered one of Europe’s worst rail disasters in nearly 80 years.

📍 Location & Time of Incident

Emergency officials reported that the collision happened at 7:45 p.m. local time on a straight stretch of track just outside Adamuz. The area, part of the busy high‑speed corridor between Madrid and Andalusia, has previously experienced infrastructure issues, including signalling failures and power‑line imbalances, according to rail operator ADIF’s past reports.

🚆 What Happened?

Early investigations indicate that the rear section of an Iryo high‑speed train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed first, jumping onto an adjacent track where it was struck head‑on by a Renfe Alvia service travelling from Madrid to Huelva at approximately 200 km/h.

• The Iryo train was carrying over 300 passengers.
• The Renfe train had between 100 and 200 passengers onboard.
• The most severe damage occurred in the first two carriages of the Renfe train, which were pushed down an embankment.

Survivors described scenes of chaos—shattered windows, overturned carriages, and passengers scrambling to escape in the dark. One passenger told Spanish broadcaster TVE: “There were people screaming… bags fell from the shelves. I am still trembling.”

🕊️ Rising Death Toll & Search for the Missing

The death toll climbed rapidly overnight as rescue teams worked through mangled metal under floodlights. Officials confirmed at least 40 fatalities, with 12 people in intensive care and over 70 injured.

Authorities have received 43 missing‑person reports across multiple cities, including Madrid, Córdoba, Málaga, and Huelva. Families continue to search hospitals and emergency centres for loved ones.

One man, Álvaro Gallardo, has been searching for his father since the crash. “My father is my life,” he told reporters, breaking down as he described visiting hospitals with no news.

🔍 Investigators Focus on Faulty Track Joint

A preliminary probe has identified a faulty rail joint, known as a fishplate, as a likely cause of the derailment. Technicians found that the joint had worn down over time, creating a widening gap between rail sections. The train drivers’ union SEMAF had previously warned ADIF about “severe wear and tear” on high‑speed tracks, including potholes and power‑line issues, but said their concerns were ignored.

Spain’s Transport Minister Óscar Puente called the incident “really strange”, noting that the derailment occurred on a straight, recently renewed section of track.

🇪🇸 National Response

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the night as one of “deep pain for our country” and pledged full transparency in the investigation. The King and Queen of Spain are reportedly following developments closely.

International leaders, including Italy’s Prime Minister, expressed condolences and solidarity with Spain during what they called a “tragedy” for Europe.

🚑 Rescue Efforts & Emergency Response

More than a dozen emergency units, including firefighters, paramedics, and Civil Guard teams, were deployed. Video footage shows rescuers pulling survivors from twisted carriages and passengers climbing out through shattered windows.

Officials warn that the death toll may rise as teams continue to search the wreckage.

⚙️ Broader Safety Concerns

The crash has reignited debate over Spain’s ageing high‑speed rail infrastructure. The Andalusia–Madrid corridor, inaugurated in 1992, still relies on older German LZB signalling systems, despite EU‑wide efforts to transition to the modern ERTMS standard.

Experts note that while both trains were modern and recently inspected, the infrastructure itself may have been the weak link.

📝 Ethical Note

This report is based solely on verified information from official sources and reputable news outlets. No graphic details are included, and all accounts from survivors and families are presented with respect and sensitivity.