Spain woke up on Monday in a state of mourning, shaken by the scale of the Andalusian rail disaster. The collision of two high-speed trains near Adamuz, outside Córdoba, left 39 dead and over a hundred injured. Authorities warn the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue and more victims could be trapped under the carriages that tumbled down a four-meter embankment.
The royal family, currently in Athens, is closely following developments. On Sunday evening, shortly after the first reports of the tragedy, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia issued a statement on social media. They expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to the injured. Their words came amid a wave of national mourning sweeping across the country.
Railway tragedy
The accident occurred on the Iryo 6189 high-speed service, which departed from Málaga-María Zambrano at 18:40. Around 300 passengers were on board at the time of the crash. The last three carriages derailed and collided with another train, the Alvia service from Madrid-Atocha to Huelva. Preliminary reports indicate the impact was so forceful that several carriages from the second train were thrown off the tracks.
Medical teams and rescue workers are operating at the site nonstop. Authorities have reported 122 people hospitalized so far, 48 of whom remain in hospital, some in intensive care. Most of the injured have been taken to the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba. The debris removal operation is complicated by difficult terrain and the need for heavy equipment. Officials warn that the final numbers of casualties and injured could change at any moment.
Royal support
Despite the tragedy, the King and Queen’s agenda has not changed: they remain in Athens, attending mourning events for Princess Irene of Greece, Queen Sofía’s sister. Their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, are with them in the Greek capital, along with members of the Greek royal family. After returning to Spain, Felipe VI and Letizia are expected to visit the injured or meet with emergency responders, although no official statements have been made yet.
In such situations, the royal family traditionally acts with caution, waiting for recommendations from security and emergency services. The presence of the monarch at the scene of a tragedy is only possible once the situation is fully under control, so as not to interfere with specialists’ work or create additional risks.
Public response
An atmosphere of mourning and solidarity prevails in Spanish cities and across social media. People express condolences, discuss the causes of the disaster, and demand a thorough investigation. Many point out that the tragedy in Adamuz was one of the most severe railway accidents in recent years, and expect not only explanations from the authorities, but also concrete measures to improve transport safety.
As the country awaits new updates on the condition of the injured, all eyes are on the actions of the royal family. Their participation in mourning ceremonies in Athens is seen as a gesture of solidarity with the family, but also as a reminder that even in the most difficult times, the monarchy remains a symbol of unity and support for Spaniards.
Awaiting change
The situation in Andalusia remains tense. Rescue teams continue their work while relatives of those missing are hoping for a miracle. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident and are already discussing possible changes to the railway safety system.
Despite the distance, the royal family demonstrates its willingness to support the victims and their loved ones. Spain is going through difficult days, and society expects not only words of sympathy, but also real steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.
