Teenage Hero Recounts 'Terror' at Scene of Deadly Spanish Train Crash
A 16-year-old boy who ran repeatedly to assist survivors of a catastrophic high-speed rail collision in Spain has spoken out about the 'terror' he witnessed firsthand. Julio Rodriguez, who has been celebrated by Spanish media as 'the angel of Adamuz,' was among the very first individuals to arrive at the devastating scene following a collision between two trains near the city of Córdoba on Sunday evening.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The horrific accident unfolded at approximately 6.40pm local time when one train derailed and veered onto an adjacent track. Moments later, a second train ploughed directly into the wreckage. Official reports confirm the crash has so far claimed the lives of 42 people, with more than 120 individuals sustaining injuries. As of the latest updates, thirty-nine people remain hospitalised, including four children, with thirteen of those patients in intensive care units.
Julio recounted that he was returning home from a fishing excursion with his mother and a friend when they observed two police vehicles and an ambulance speeding into the distance. Driven by curiosity about the unfolding emergency, they followed the convoy and discovered the catastrophic crash site, located close to a station within the province of Córdoba.
On-Scene Heroism and Rescue Efforts
As he approached the carriages, which had slipped down a slope measuring four metres, Julio immediately began speaking with survivors. In the critical minutes before professional rescuers arrived, he diligently collected names and telephone numbers of relatives for those affected. In a particularly brave act, he managed to pull a 10-year-old boy from the shattered wreckage of one of the trains.
'I didn't stop to think whether I was tired. I made the journey several times,' he later told local media outlet Sur, describing his relentless efforts to aid those in distress.
Royal Recognition and National Mourning
His profound act of selflessness received formal recognition on Tuesday when King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the crash site. The royal couple met with relatives of the victims and those injured in hospital, paying special tribute to the teenage hero. They spent considerable time speaking with Julio about his traumatic experience, standing near the train carriages where recovery operations continue amidst a declared three-day period of national mourning.
After their visit to the scene, the monarch and consort travelled to Córdoba to personally visit hospitalised survivors and console grieving families. King Felipe remarked, 'No matter how good the infrastructure is, accidents happen. This one has been very tragic...It could have been much worse and the early response has minimised the number of fatalities.'
Heartbreaking Personal Stories Emerge
Among the most harrowing tales to emerge is that of a six-year-old girl who lost both her parents, her brother, and a cousin in the disaster. She was discovered walking barefoot along the railway track after miraculously escaping through a window. Her parents were identified on Monday as Jose Zamorano and shop owner Cristina Alvarez. They perished alongside their 12-year-old son, Pepe Zamorano, and cousin Felix Zamorano. The family had been returning from Madrid, where they had enjoyed watching the Lion King musical and attended a Real Madrid football match.
Remarkably, the young girl survived with only three stitches required for a head wound. She is now recuperating with her grandmother in a Cordoba hotel. A friend of Cristina Alvarez, Sori Ruiz, paid tribute, stating, 'My deepest condolences to the family. May God give them comfort. This is a great loss for everyone...I cannot imagine the pain felt by her family and loved ones.'
Journalists Among the Victims
The tragedy also claimed the lives of journalist Oscar Toro and his photojournalist wife, Maria Clauss. Jaime de Vicente Nunez, president of the Iberoamerican Cultural Association, confirmed their passing on social media, expressing that the community was in mourning for 'great professionals and, above all, people of extraordinary human quality.' A friend, Gabriel Cruz, wrote in a poignant tribute, 'Incredulous and stunned. A tragedy that devastates us...With them, a little piece of ourselves is gone. Kind and generous people.'
Ongoing Investigation and Official Statements
Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska revealed on Tuesday that 43 people remain officially missing since the crash occurred. Officials have cautioned that it may take several more days before a final, confirmed death toll can be established. The precise cause of the crash is under active investigation. Some preliminary expert analysis has pointed to the discovery of a broken rail joint on the tracks, which may have been a contributing factor in the initial derailment.
As Spain mourns, the bravery of individuals like Julio Rodriguez shines a light on humanity amidst profound tragedy, while the nation awaits answers and continues to support the many families shattered by this event.
