Spanish Train Crash Leaves 42 Dead, Six-Year-Old Girl as Sole Family Survivor
A devastating rail disaster in southern Spain has resulted in the deaths of at least 42 individuals, with a six-year-old girl emerging as the only survivor from her family. The tragedy unfolded near the town of Adamuz in the Córdoba province of Andalucía, where two trains collided after one derailed.
Miracle Survival Amidst Heartbreaking Loss
The young girl, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found walking along the railway tracks following the catastrophic collision. She sustained only a minor head wound, a remarkable outcome given the severity of the incident. Authorities reported that she was cared for overnight by a police officer before being reunited with her grandmother in Córdoba.
According to Spanish media reports, the child and her family had been returning home to Aljaraque, located on the Atlantic coast near Huelva. They had travelled to Madrid to enjoy a special outing, which included watching the Lion King musical and visiting the Bernabéu stadium. This excursion was intended as a celebration of the Christian feast of the Epiphany, a traditional time for Spanish children to receive their Christmas presents.
Community Grief and National Mourning
The mayor of Punta Umbría, José Carlos Hernández Cansino, expressed profound sorrow, stating that the confirmation of the family's deaths confirmed their worst fears. He described the girl's survival as "a miracle". Similarly, Adrián Cano, the mayor of Aljaraque, conveyed that the town was "broken with grief and almost without words of comfort".
In response to the tragedy, Spain has initiated three days of national mourning to honour the victims. The crash involved a high-speed train travelling from Málaga to Madrid, which derailed and crossed onto another track, colliding with an oncoming train from Madrid to Huelva. This marks the country's worst rail accident in over a decade.
Other Families Share Their Stories
As recovery efforts continue to retrieve the remaining bodies, other affected families have come forward with their harrowing experiences. Alberto García revealed that one of his daughters, who is five months pregnant, is in intensive care with serious injuries from the crash. Doctors have placed her under sedation and on a ventilator, while closely monitoring the baby's heartbeat.
Relatives informed El País that firefighters rescued her unconscious from the wreckage after passengers smashed windows to escape. Her sister, Ana, who was travelling alongside her and their dog, sustained lighter injuries. The dog, named Boro, remains missing, and Ana speculated that her sister might have been injured while trying to protect the animal. She expressed hope in finding Boro, stating, "If I can't do anything for her, at least I hope I can find Boro".
This tragic event has deeply impacted communities across Spain, highlighting the fragility of life and the resilience of survivors amidst overwhelming loss.
