Rail Fracture Likely Occurred Before Deadly Spanish Train Crash, Investigators Say

In this screenshot from video provided by Guardia Civil, rescue workers are seen at the scene of a high-speed train collision, in Adamuz, Spain, on Jan. 19, 2026. Guardia Civil via AP

A rail fracture likely occurred before a high-speed train derailed and crashed into another high-speed train, resulting in dozens of fatalities, Spanish investigators said in a preliminary report published on Jan. 23.

At around 7:45 p.m. local time on Jan. 18, a train belonging to private rail operator Iryo collided with an oncoming train from state-owned company Renfe, near Adamuz in the province of Córdoba, about 223 miles south of the capital, Madrid.