On the first day of national mourning in Spain, the entire country’s attention was focused on the small town of Adamuz in Córdoba province. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia traveled here to personally support the victims and offer condolences to the families of those killed in the recent train accident. Their visit was more than a symbolic gesture—it was a true act of solidarity that many locals saw as a sign of unity in a difficult moment.
The monarchs arrived at the site of the tragedy around noon. Alongside them were government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero, Transport Minister Óscar Puente, and the President of Andalucía, Juanma Moreno. Leaders of emergency services, firefighters, police, and local volunteers also joined them. The atmosphere was tense, but at the same time filled with gratitude for the support shown.
Everyday heroes among ordinary people
The king and queen paid special attention to the residents of Adamuz, who were the first to help the victims on that fateful night. Among them was 16-year-old Julio Rodríguez, who was returning from fishing with a friend and was one of the first at the site of the crash. The young man told the monarchs how they tried to pull people from the carriages before rescuers arrived. His story moved Letizia, who noted that such actions are what make society stronger.
At that moment, a range of emotions could be seen on many faces—from pride to tears. The Queen thanked the young man for his courage and compassion, and Julio himself admitted he never expected to shake hands with the royal couple. On this day, ordinary citizens found themselves in the national spotlight, and their actions did not go unnoticed.
Difficult conversations
After meeting with local residents, the monarchs headed to the site where the damaged Iryo train cars still stood. Several hundred meters away, crews continued to clear the wreckage and search for the missing. The King and Queen paused here briefly to assess the devastation and thank the rescuers for their dedication.
Next, the royal couple traveled to the Civil Support Center in Córdoba, where the families of those killed and missing were waiting. The meeting took place behind closed doors, without cameras or journalists. According to witnesses, the mood was extremely heavy: many could not hold back tears, and the monarchs tried to find words of comfort for each person. In such moments, it becomes clear that no official speech can convey the full depth of human grief.
At the hospital
The final stop of the visit was the Reina Sofía hospital, where 13 of the 39 injured remain under treatment, five of whom are in intensive care. The King and Queen toured the wards, spoke with patients and their families, and thanked doctors and nurses for their dedication. Outside the hospital, a crowd gathered—journalists, staff, and concerned locals. Many greeted the royals with applause, while some shouted words of support.
Felipe VI noted that it was important for him to personally see the victims and hear their stories. He emphasized that the tragedy affected not only Córdoba, but all of Andalusia, and that the response to it was felt across the country. The King separately thanked all the services for their professionalism and pointed out that the majority of victims were saved thanks to the coordinated efforts of medical staff and rescuers.
A shared ordeal
During the visit, Letizia reminded everyone of society’s collective responsibility in the face of such disasters. She urged not to turn away from the misfortune of others and not to forget those at the heart of the tragedy. According to her, events like these expose the vulnerability of each person and call for the maximum involvement not only of professionals, but of ordinary citizens as well.
On this day, a special atmosphere reigned in Ádamus. The city, still shaken by tragedy, became a symbol of national unity for a few hours. The monarchs’ visit did not solve all the problems but marked an important step toward restoring trust and hope. As they left the hospital, someone shouted, “Long live the King!” and dozens of voices echoed the call. In such moments, it becomes clear that even the heaviest trials can be overcome when a country does not turn its back on its people.
