The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Spain has issued a formal statement of solidarity following the tragic railway collision in Adamuz (Córdoba) on January 18, 2026. The accident, involving an Iryo high-speed train and a Renfe Alvia train, resulted in 41 fatalities and 122 injuries.
National Response and Message of Hope
Pastor Óscar López, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Spain, expressed the denomination’s deepest condolences to the bereaved families. "We lament this tragedy and offer our prayers and support to all those injured and affected," stated Pastor López, emphasizing the Christian hope for restoration and the biblical promise of comfort found in Psalm 34:18 and Revelation 21:4.
The President urged the nationwide Adventist community to unite in prayer for the recovery of the 39 individuals currently hospitalized, 13 of whom remain in intensive care.
Local Mobilization in Córdoba
Although the accident site remained restricted to official emergency services, the local Adventist congregation in Córdoba, located 30km from Adamuz, mobilized immediately. Pastor Andrés Suárez contacted municipal authorities to offer the church's resources, including food, blankets, and the use of church facilities as a logistical support point.
Church leadership confirmed that no members were among the victims. Notably, Mercedes Martínez Bou, national director of Women’s Ministries, had safely traveled on an earlier train prior to the collision.
Incident Overview and Investigation
The collision occurred at approximately 7:40 PM when a Málaga-Madrid high-speed train derailed, obstructing the path of an oncoming Alvia train. The impact caused several carriages to descend a four-meter embankment.
Current Status:
Casualties: 41 confirmed dead, including the Alvia train driver; Medical: 122 total injuries; 39 remain hospitalized; Infrastructure: Adif has suspended high-speed rail traffic between Madrid and southern hubs (Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, and Huelva), affecting over 200 services; Emergency Response: A large-scale operation involving the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), Civil Guard, and local health services remains active.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to monitor the situation, maintaining its commitment to supporting the affected community through both prayer and practical aid.
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