What is known about the train accident in Spain near Córdoba? What is known so far about the possible causes of the Adamuz derailment

The accident involving two high-speed trains, which has so far left 39 people dead, has left Spain in shock and authorities confused about what caused the tragedy. Early this morning in Adamuz, Córdoba, the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, announced the creation of a commission to investigate the accident.

After speaking with several experts, Puente described the incident as “extremely strange,” noting that it occurred on a straight section of track that had recently been upgraded. The renovation of that stretch cost 700 million euros and was completed in May 2025.

He also stated that the derailed train was “practically new, less than four years old,” and emphasized that the track was “completely renewed.” According to Iryo, the Frecciarossa ETR 1000 train had undergone its most recent inspection on Thursday, January 15.

Confirmed facts

• The accident occurred at 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, January 18.
• The derailment took place near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, which has a population of approximately 4,200.
• The Alvia train was traveling at about 124 mph (200 km/h) well below the 155 mph (250 km/h) speed limit.
• The Alvia 2384 was operating the Madrid to Huelva route and was carrying 100 passengers, according to El País.
• The Iryo 6189 was operating the Málaga to Madrid route with 289 passengers, along with four crew members and one driver, as confirmed by Iryo.
• The first two cars of the Alvia train fell down a 13-foot (4-meter) embankment.
• Cars 6, 7, and 8 of the Iryo train left the tracks.
• Passengers on the Iryo reported that the train began to vibrate shortly before the accident.
• The regional government of Andalusia deployed 16 forensic specialists to the site.
• The Military Emergency Unit mobilized 37 soldiers and 15 vehicles.
• More than 220 members of the Guardia Civil are operating in the area, including specialists from the Central Criminalistics Unit focused on DNA and fingerprint identification, as well as public security, traffic officers, and reserve and security groups.
• A helicopter has been deployed at the site.
• Security forces are also using several drones.
• Rail traffic between Madrid and Andalusia is suspended until further notice, according to Renfe.
• Authorities in Córdoba have asked the public not to go to hospitals unless it is strictly necessary.
• Blood reserves were replenished overnight thanks to the rapid response of citizens.
• There are 152 people with minor injuries who do not require hospitalization.

What is still unknown

• Why the two trains collided on a straight section of track.
• The final death toll, which currently stands at 39.
• There are 30 critically injured patients in different hospitals whose conditions are still evolving.

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