Multiple high-speed train derailments in southern Spain force a complete suspension of services between Madrid and Andalusia.
High-Speed Trains Derail in Southern Spain
On January 18, 2026, a serious railway accident occurred near Adamuz in Córdoba Province, southern Spain. In the evening, two high-speed passenger trains traveling through the area derailed in quick succession.
Approximately 300 passengers were on board the trains. Many were injured, with at least 25 reported to be seriously hurt. Large-scale rescue operations involving medical teams and emergency responders were launched immediately after the accident.
According to reports, the incident was triggered when the first train derailed and affected the adjacent track. Shortly afterward, another high-speed train traveling through the same section also derailed. Both trains were operating on high-speed routes connecting Málaga, Madrid, and Huelva. The cause of the derailments has not yet been determined.
Multiple high-speed train derailments in southern Spain force a complete suspension of services between Madrid and Andalusia.
High-Speed Trains Derail in Southern Spain
On January 18, 2026, a serious railway accident occurred near Adamuz in Córdoba Province, southern Spain. In the evening, two high-speed passenger trains traveling through the area derailed in quick succession.
Approximately 300 passengers were on board the trains. Many were injured, with at least 25 reported to be seriously hurt. Large-scale rescue operations involving medical teams and emergency responders were launched immediately after the accident.
According to reports, the incident was triggered when the first train derailed and affected the adjacent track. Shortly afterward, another high-speed train traveling through the same section also derailed. Both trains were operating on high-speed routes connecting Málaga, Madrid, and Huelva. The cause of the derailments has not yet been determined.
Summary of Japan’s Transportation Performance During the 2025–2026 Year-End and New Year Holiday Period
JR Central (Tokaido Shinkansen) Number of passengers over 10 days: 4.415 million Passenger numbers on January 4 reached 516,000, setting a new all-time daily record since the company’s establishment in 1987. The average daily ridership over the 10-day period (442,000 passengers) was also the highest recorded since fiscal 1991.
JR West (Hokuriku Shinkansen) Number of passengers over 10 days: 430,000 (up 9% year-on-year) Average daily ridership reached 43,000 passengers, marking the highest level since the Kanazawa extension opened in 2015. In response to increased demand, approximately 30 additional train services were operated compared with the previous year, which appears to have contributed to the strong results.
JR Kyushu (Shinkansen and Limited Express Services) Number of passengers over 10 days: 727,000 (up 1.7% year-on-year) Favorable calendar conditions, including a maximum nine-day holiday period, combined with stable operations, drove an increase in ridership. Extremely high congestion levels were observed, with inbound Shinkansen Sakura services recording a 186% occupancy rate, and outbound Limited Express Sonic services on December 29 reaching 169% occupancy.
JR East (Niigata Branch Area) Number of passengers over 10 days: 398,000 (up 3% year-on-year) Passenger numbers on the Joetsu Shinkansen between Echigo-Yuzawa and Nagaoka totaled 353,000, representing a 4% increase from the previous year. Travel demand peaked on December 30 for outbound journeys and January 4 for inbound journeys, resulting in a noticeably busier period compared with the previous year.
