The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a severe travel warning for anyone planning to visit Spain, cautioning holidaymakers about significant disruption following a devastating high-speed train collision.
Fatal Incident Sparks Travel Alert
The warning comes after a catastrophic train crash on Sunday evening near Adamuz in the Córdoba province of Andalusia, southern Spain. The incident involved two high-speed trains colliding and derailing, resulting in at least 43 fatalities and 159 injuries.
Authorities confirmed that an Iryo-operated train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed before colliding with a second train operated by state rail company Renfe, which subsequently plunged down an embankment.
First-Hand Account of the Disaster
Bianca Birleanu, a 23-year-old passenger journeying to Huelva, described the terrifying moments to newspaper El Pais: "We felt the first jolt and, in a fraction of a second, another very strong one. The table in front of our seat fell on top of us, the lights went out, and the carriage roof collapsed."
Severe Transport Disruption Expected
The FCDO's updated travel guidance states: "On 18 January, two high‐speed trains collided near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba in Andalusia, southern Spain. High‐speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia remain severely disrupted."
Renfe, Spain's national railway operator, has implemented a replacement transport plan combining train and bus services, with additional services operating on some routes. However, travellers should expect considerable delays and changes to their journeys.
Essential Advice for Travellers
The Foreign Office strongly advises anyone travelling to or within Spain to:
- Check the latest information with your train operator before commencing your journey
- Allow substantial extra time for travel due to ongoing disruption
- Follow all advice from local authorities and transport providers
Emergency Contact Information
For those affected by the incident or requiring travel information, the following contact details have been provided:
- ADIF: (+34) 900 10 10 20 or @Adif_es
- IRYO: (+34) 900 00 14 02 or @iryo_eu
- Emergency services (112 EMA): From inside Andalusia: 061; from outside Andalusia: (+34) 953 00 11 49
British nationals requiring consular support following the accident should contact the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.
The travel warning remains in effect as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collision and work to restore normal rail services across affected regions of Spain.
