An urgent alert warning of 'significant disruption' has been issued to anyone travelling to Spain. The warning has been circulated by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) today (Monday, January 19).

It follows a high-speed train crash which claimed 39 lives on Sunday evening. A further 75 people were taken to hospital after two trains collided and derailed near Adamuz in the Córdoba province of the country.

The latest update released by the FCDO is entitled 'New information about significant disruption following a serious rail incident in Andalusia'.

It reads: "On 18 January, two high‑speed trains collided near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba in Andalusia, southern Spain. Significant disruption to rail services between Madrid and Andalusia is expected, with all high‑speed services between Madrid and Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, Granada and Huelva suspended. Services between Madrid and Cádiz, Algeciras and Granada will also be affected.

"If you need assistance or information about affected passengers, you can contact:

• ADIF: (+34) 900 10 10 20 @Adif_es


• IRYO: (+34) 00 00 14 02 @iryo_eu


• Emergency services (112 EMA): From inside Andalusia: 061; from outside Andalusia: (+34) 953 00 11 49

"If you are a British national and you or a family member have been affected by this accident and require consular support, call the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.

"If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the travel advice for France before you start your journey. If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey. No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide."

If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey. No travel can be guaranteed safe.

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Although some details remain unclear, it is thought a high-speed train run by Iryo travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed before colliding with another train. The second train, which was operated by state rail company Renfe, also derailed and went down an embankment, authorities said.

“Approximately 300 people were onboard at the time of the accident,” an Iryo spokesperson said. “The derailment affected cars six through eight. The Guardia Civil and firefighters are currently working intensively at the scene to evacuate all passengers and have set up a joint emergency response team.

“Iryo deeply regrets the incident, has activated all its emergency protocols, and is collaborating closely with Adif, Renfe, and the relevant authorities to determine the causes and manage the situation as effectively as possible.”