The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent alert warning British travellers of 'significant disruption' to rail services in Spain following a catastrophic train collision.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The warning follows a devastating high-speed train crash near Adamuz in the Córdoba province of Andalusia on Sunday, 18 January. The collision between two trains resulted in 39 fatalities and saw a further 75 people taken to hospital with injuries.
Initial reports suggest an Iryo service travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed before colliding with a second train operated by the state company Renfe. The Renfe train also derailed and went down an embankment. An Iryo spokesperson stated approximately 300 people were on board their train at the time, with carriages six through eight affected by the derailment.
Widespread Travel Disruption Expected
The FCDO's latest update, titled 'New information about significant disruption following a serious rail incident in Andalusia', outlines the expected impact on travel. All high-speed services between Madrid and the Andalusian cities of Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, Granada, and Huelva are currently suspended.
Services on routes between the capital and Cádiz, Algeciras, and Granada are also facing severe disruptions. The FCDO strongly urges anyone planning travel to or within Spain to check the status of their journey ahead of time.
Advice for British Nationals
The Foreign Office has provided specific contact information for those seeking assistance. For details on affected passengers, travellers can contact ADIF or Iryo directly. In an emergency, the Andalusian emergency services number is 112.
British nationals directly affected by the accident who require consular support are advised to call the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.
The FCDO also reminds travellers planning to enter Spain via France or Gibraltar to consult the specific travel advice for those territories before commencing their journey. The advisory concludes with the stark reminder that 'no travel can be guaranteed safe'.
Iryo, the private rail operator, expressed deep regret for the incident, confirming it has activated all emergency protocols and is collaborating with authorities to determine the cause.
