Tragedy as six-year-old girl loses her parents, brother and cousin in 125mph Spanish train disaster that left at least 40 dead

A six-year-old girl lost her parents, brother and cousin in a deadly high-speed train crash in Spain that killed at least 40 people.

Friends and loved ones had appealed for the missing family of the young girl earlier today, fearing that she had died in the accident.

The tragedy occurred at around 18.40 local time on Sunday, when a train derailed in Adamuz, near the city of Córdoba, crossed onto another track and fell into the debris for the second time.

Juan Manuel Moreno, head of the Andalusian regional government, confirmed Monday night that the death toll had risen by one.

“There are now 40 confirmed deaths,” he said at a press conference, adding that “it will take 24-48 hours to know for sure how many deaths resulted from this terrible accident.”

A source told Reuters on Monday night that a broken joint had been found on the track, but officials had not yet confirmed this.

Meanwhile, the mayor of the town where the young man and his family came from previously said that the girl’s brother was in the hospital.

But this afternoon the mayor of Punta Umbria, near Huelva, Jose Carlos Hernandez Casino, confirmed that the boy had died, along with his parents and cousin.

12-year-old Pepe Zamorano (pictured, left) and his cousin Felix Zamorano (pictured, right) also died in the crash.

At least 40 people have been confirmed dead after a high-speed train crashed in southern Spain. Picture: Emergency workers are seen at the site where the high-speed Iryo train derailed and was struck by another train as rescue efforts continue in Adamuz, southern Spain, on January 19, 2026

The couple’s names were stated to be Jose Zamorano and store owner Cristina Alvarez. They were killed along with their 12-year-old son Pepe Zamorano and their cousin Felix Zamorano.

The family were returning from the Spanish capital after going to see the musical The Lion King and watching Real Madrid beat LaLiga rivals Levante at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

A police officer looked after the girl, whose name was not disclosed, throughout the night. He is said to have escaped unhurt.

The six-year-old is now recovering with his grandmother in a hotel in Cordoba after receiving three stitches in his head.

It was unclear this afternoon whether he knew what happened to his relatives.

Mr Casino said in a social media message: ‘I was reluctant to do this as it raises hope, but after confirming that the bodies of Zamorano Alvarez family members missing since last night as a result of the train crash have been found, I have declared three days of official mourning.

‘We experience these moments with deep sadness and pain. However, we remain hopeful that the two still missing Punta Umbria residents will be found alive and we continue to closely monitor the progress of the search.

‘I share the pain of all affected families and convey to them the support, respect and solidarity of the entire Municipal Corporation and all citizens.

‘During the three-day mourning period, flags at town halls will be flown at half-mast and all planned corporate events will be suspended as a sign of respect and mourning.’

City Hall also issued a similar statement.

Sori Ruiz, an old friend of Cristina’s, responded: ‘My deepest condolences to her family. May God make it easy for them. This is a big loss for everyone.

‘I was shocked when I saw the news. Cristina was my classmate at school and we spent many years together.

Some passengers were thrown from windows and their bodies were found hundreds of meters from the crash site, authorities said.

‘May God have mercy on him and give patience to his family. ‘I can’t imagine the pain his family and loved ones are feeling.’

Early this morning, Lucia Morales Blanco posted a message about X: ‘A family of four from Huelva is still missing. Their names: Felix Zamorano; José Zamorano; Cristina Alvarez and Pepe Zamorano (son).

‘Please, even the slightest information, such as who was on the train or who caught a glimpse of these people, would be very helpful.’

It is known that journalist Oscar Toro and his photojournalist wife Maria Clauss were among those who died in the train accident.

Jaime de Vicente Nunez, president of the Ibero-American Cultural Association, confirmed on social media today: ‘Huelva is in mourning. Our Ibero-American Cultural Association mourns.

‘Maria Clauss and Oscar Toro, friends and members of our association, great professionals and, above all, people of extraordinary human quality, have passed away.

‘May they rest in peace, and let us always remember their productive work and warm humanity.’

Members of the Spanish Civil Guard, along with other emergency personnel, work next to one of the trains involved in the accident at the site of the fatal derailment of two high-speed trains near Adamuz in Cordoba, Spain, on January 19, 2026.

The accident occurred when the tail end of the train carrying approximately 300 passengers from Malaga to the capital Madrid derailed on Sunday evening.

His friend Gabriel Cruz wrote in a tribute: ‘I am incredible and stunned. A tragedy that devastated us. Deep sorrow for the victims, their families and friends who lost their lives.

‘Oscar Toro and María Claus were traveling on that train. A small part of us went with them. Kind and generous people.

‘I had the chance to share many moments of camaraderie and camaraderie with Oscar, both as President of the Huelva Journalists Association and as a councilor in the socialist group. Also outside of the workplace.

‘I offer my love to the families of the victims. A kiss for María and Oscar.’