Spain promises answers as high-speed train crash kills 39

In this still image from video taken and released on January 19, 2026 by the Spain's Guardia Civil, emergency workers are seen at the site where a high-speed Iryo train derailed and was hit by another train as rescue efforts continue in Adamuz, southern Spain, on January 19, 2026. At least 39 people died and more than 120 injured in the deadliest train accident in Spain in over a decade. The crash happened on Sunday evening when a train operated by rail company Iryo travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed near Adamuz, crossing onto the other track where it crashed into an oncoming train, which also derailed. (Photo by Handout / Guardia Civil / AFP)

ADAMUZ, Spain (AFP): The Spanish government has vowed to conduct a full investigation into the causes of a high-speed train collision that killed at least 39 people, with officials warning the death toll could rise as rescuers worked among the wreckage.

The crash late Sunday (Jan 18) is Spain's deadliest train accident since 2013, when 80 people died after a train veered off a curved section of track outside the northwestern city of Santiago de Compostela.