On board the first train to pass through Adamuz a month after the accident: "It's impossible not to travel with a knot in your stomach"
The first train from Madrid to Sevilla resumed services a month after a deadly accident in Adamuz, prompting mixed emotions from passengers.
On October 26, the first train arriving from Madrid reached the Santa Justa station in Sevilla at 10:26 AM, marking the return of train services a month after the tragic accident in Adamuz that resulted in the deaths of 46 people. The train, operated by Renfe, was delayed by 38 minutes due to speed restrictions, which were enforced as it approached the vicinity of Villanueva de Córdoba, close to the accident site. The train, which departed Atocha at 7:05 AM, showcased heightened caution as it slowed down significantly from its usual speed of 300 km/h to just 60 km/h near the area where the tragedy occurred.
At the Santa Justa station, there was a constant buzz of activity from 6:30 AM, with long lines forming at gate 11. Passengers included many foreigners, notably a substantial number of Chinese travelers, along with a Mexican tourist named Óscar who was taking his first train journey with his mother and her boyfriend to enjoy a few days in Sevilla. While some passengers expressed excitement about their travels, the atmosphere was tinged with apprehension, as many acknowledged that it was hard to shake off the fear and anxiety brought on by the recent disaster that had claimed so many lives.
The first train back can be seen as a significant moment of resilience in the face of tragedy for the affected communities, highlighting the challenges of returning to normalcy in the wake of such calamities. The emotional weight of the situation resonates deeply with passengers and operators alike, as they navigate both the logistical and psychological implications of resuming train services in a region still mourning those lost in the accident.