Spain High-Speed Train Collision Near Córdoba Kills At Least 39, Halts Services

Overview

• Authorities report a provisional toll of at least 39 dead and about 122–123 injured, with dozens still hospitalized and several in intensive care.
• An Iryo Málaga–Madrid train derailed, crossed into the opposite track and was struck by a Renfe Alvia service to Huelva, with the first two Alvia cars thrown into a roughly four‑meter ravine where many fatalities occurred.
• Spain’s CIAF opened an investigation as technicians cited by Reuters described a loose or worn rail joint at the site and a 2025 train‑drivers’ union letter warned Adif about wear on that stretch.
• Iryo said the train was built in 2022 and passed a technical inspection on January 15, while officials called the crash extremely strange and the Renfe president said human error is largely ruled out.
• Adif suspended high‑speed connections between Madrid and Andalusia pending debris removal and inquiries, with widespread cancellations across the corridor.