An evening that was supposed to be ordinary turned into a nightmare for dozens of Iryo high-speed train passengers. No one expected their lives would change forever in a matter of seconds. A sudden jolt, as if the train had hit an invisible obstacle, put everyone on edge. In that moment, the carriages began to sway, while screams and panic broke out inside. Passengers, not understanding what was happening, clung desperately to handrails and seats, trying to stay in place.
Witnesses recall that at first it felt as if the train was crossing a giant hole or pothole. The sensation lasted only a moment, but it was a harbinger of tragedy. Within seconds, the cars started to shake from side to side, then came a violent impact. Those at the epicenter of the events can’t forget that moment: everything happened too quickly to grasp the scale of the disaster.
Seconds of chaos
Panic swept through the entire train. In the fifth car, where Antonio Méndez was, passengers felt the floor slip out from under their feet. Some tried to stand, while others pressed themselves to the floor, hoping it would protect them from injury. At that moment, the train began to tilt, and it became clear there was no way to avoid disaster. People screamed, called for help, but no one could understand what was happening outside the windows.
In other cars, the situation was no less dramatic. Some passengers claim they heard a strange metallic screech just moments before the impact, as if something inside the train’s mechanism was breaking. Others noticed luggage falling from the overhead shelves and windows shaking from the vibrations. In those seconds, everyone tried to save themselves as best they could, but there was no time to think.
Eyewitness accounts
Those who survived recall feeling completely disoriented. In the darkness and noise, it was hard to tell where the exit was or where danger might be. Some tried to open the doors, others searched for their phones to call for help. Flashes of light, screams, and crashes—all blended into a single stream of terror. People held on to each other, hoping they could escape the trap together.
The first minutes after the accident were the hardest. Chaos reigned: some called for doctors, others tried to give first aid to the injured. In certain cars, a stampede broke out as people attempted to get outside. Many still can’t believe they survived, as everything happened so quickly that there was no real time to be afraid.
Investigation and questions
Investigators examining the details of the disaster note that most passengers felt that very ‘bump’ or ‘dip’ just moments before the tragedy. This instant became a crucial point in the investigation: what exactly caused such a sudden jolt of the train? Why did the safety system fail to activate in time? Experts are analyzing eyewitness testimonies to reconstruct a second-by-second account of what happened.
Questions continue to multiply. Why did no staff warn the passengers of possible danger? How did the train operator respond during those critical seconds? The families of the victims are demanding answers, and the public is calling for transparency and justice. Authorities promise a thorough investigation, but for now, all that’s left is to wait for the results and hope that such incidents never happen again.
The aftermath of the tragedy
The railway disaster has shaken the entire country. People discuss the incident on social media, share stories, and express condolences to the families of the victims. Many wonder if this tragedy could have been prevented. New details are emerging, fueling further interest in the investigation. Spain is calling for changes to railway safety systems to ensure such an event never happens again.
As the investigation continues, witnesses and survivors are trying to get back to normal life. But the memories of those terrifying seconds remain with everyone. The nine seconds that changed the fate of dozens of families will stay in the nation’s memory forever.
