By Karim Hammam
Spain has experienced four fatal train incidents in 2026, ending a decades-long safety record on its high-speed network. The latest collision on October 28 between two high-speed trains near Urda killed at least 68 people.
October 28: High-speed trains collide near Urda
Two high-speed trains traveling from Madrid to Seville collided near Urda in Toledo province, killing at least 68 people and injuring dozens. One train struck the rear of another that had stopped, derailing two cars. The crash halted high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusia. Both trains were operated by state-owned RENFE and private operator IRYO.
January 18: Derailment and collision kill 46 near Adamuz
An IRYO train from Malaga to Madrid derailed near Adamuz in southern Spain and collided with an oncoming RENFE train heading to Huelva. Forty-six people were killed and more than 100 injured. The impact sent the RENFE train’s first two cars down an embankment. Preliminary findings indicated a rail fracture predated the derailment.
January 20: Commuter train hits fallen wall near Barcelona
A commuter train crashed near Gelida outside Barcelona after a retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks during heavy rain. One person was killed and 41 injured, according to the Spanish government. The accident came two days after the Adamuz disaster and led to a suspension of Catalonia’s Rodalies commuter services.
February 12: Motorist killed at railroad crossing near Talavera de la Reina
A passenger train from Madrid to Badajoz struck a car at a railroad crossing near Talavera de la Reina in Toledo province. The car’s driver was killed; none of the 206 passengers aboard the train were injured. Rail traffic was interrupted and replacement transportation arranged.
