Last Sunday, a devastating disaster struck the railway line near Adamuz (Córdoba), shaking all of Spain. A high-speed Iryo train traveling from Málaga to Madrid suddenly derailed, and its last three carriages collided with the front of an Alvia train heading from Madrid to Huelva. A major rescue operation was launched at the scene, but for many passengers, this day proved to be their last.
With the cause of the accident still unknown, relatives and friends of the missing desperately searched for any information about their loved ones. Social media was flooded with photos and pleas for help, but for most, the wait ended with heartbreaking news. Behind the official statistics lie real human tragedies that can never be forgotten.
Lives Lost
Among the victims was a young cardiologist from Málaga who worked at the La Paz hospital in Madrid—Jesús Saldaña. For almost two days, people searched for him, hoping for a miracle, but eventually, hope faded. His mobile phone was found, but Jesús was not among the survivors. His family and colleagues could not believe what had happened; he was just beginning his career and was full of plans.
The loss was particularly devastating for the Zamorano Álvarez family from Punta Umbría (Huelva). Four family members returning from Madrid after a short vacation never made it home. The only survivor was a six-year-old girl who was also on the train. In their hometown, everyone knew the family for their children’s clothing shop, and now the streets are filled with grief.
Losses among colleagues
Journalist Óscar Toro and photojournalist María Clauss were also among the victims. Their deaths shocked Huelva’s professional community. Óscar was known not only as a journalist but also as an active participant in civic initiatives, while María was the only woman to receive the prestigious Luis Valtueña Prize. Colleagues remember them as people always ready to support and inspire others.
The driver of the Alvia train, 27-year-old Pablo, also died. He had just started working on this route. Passionate about photography, he dreamed of seeing the world from the train cab. His life was cut short just as his journey began.
Everyday heroes
Ricardo Chamorro Cáliz, 57, was on his way home after exams with his students. He ran a government exam prep academy and was a favorite among students. His son wrote on social media that his father was taken too soon, and unfairly.
Also on the train was Andrés Gallardo Vaz, a penitentiary service employee. His colleagues held out hope until the very end, but fate had other plans.
Family tragedies
Among the victims were a mother and daughter from Isla Cristina, Ana Martín Sosa and Josefa Sosa Casado. They were well known and loved in their hometown, and acclaimed singer Manuel Carrasco offered words of support and sympathy in their memory. All of Andalusia is mourning this loss as if it were their own.
Miriam del Rosario Alberico Larios, 27, from Lepe, was traveling in the first Alvia carriage. Her life was cut short in a moment, leaving her loved ones in deep despair.
Memory and grief
Rafael Millán Albert, 52, was traveling with his wife, who survived by a miracle. His nephew searched for him on social media, but after several hours, the worst was confirmed. Rafael had just finished his exams and had gone to the dining car—where tragedy struck.
Also among the victims was 35-year-old police officer Samuel R.S., who served in Madrid’s Aluche district and worked in the foreigners’ department. His colleagues still cannot believe what has happened.
The city of Gibraleón is mourning two of its own—José María Martín Guerrero and Eduardo Domínguez Fernández. One was returning from Madrid after the weekend, the other was headed to exams. For this small city, the loss is irreparable.
The list of victims is completed by María del Carmen Abril, a teacher from Alcorcón. She worked at the local school and was known for her kindness and dedication to her pupils.
The silent question
The tragedy in Adamuz left not only dozens dead but also many unanswered questions. Why were modern trains powerless to prevent the disaster? How can similar incidents be avoided in the future? As families mourn their loved ones, the country demands answers and justice. Spain will not forget this day, and the names of the victims will be remembered forever.
