The driver of the Iryo train that derailed in Adamuz shared his firsthand account of the incident, revealing his initial unawareness of the severity of the crash that resulted in multiple fatalities.
The driver of the Iryo train that derailed in Adamuz, Córdoba, on January 18, 2026, provided a statement to the Guardia Civil that highlights his shock and confusion during the accident. He reported feeling 'jerks' and noticing the movements of the catenary cable prior to the derailment. It was only after exiting the cabin that he realized the extent of the disaster, as he encountered a deceased passenger on the floor of car six. This suggests that there were inadequate warning systems to alert him to the impending danger, despite the onboard computer signaling numerous alarms.
Additionally, a second driver, who was a passenger on the ill-fated train, shared his own harrowing experience. He described climbing onto the roof of car eight to assist trapped passengers by breaking windows, illustrating the chaos and urgency of the situation. This testimony reinforces the notion that a fellow operator was compelled to take immediate action in what appeared to be a desperate effort to save lives amid the confusion and devastation following the derailment.
The tragedy, which claimed the lives of 46 individuals, raises serious questions about rail safety protocols and the effectiveness of current alarm systems in alerting operators to potential incidents. With investigations underway, the focus will inevitably turn to whether proper safety measures were in place and what could be done to prevent such catastrophic events in the future, highlighting the need for rigorous oversight in the transportation sector.
