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

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 López, emphasizing the Christian hope for restoration and the biblical promise of comfort found in Psalm 34:18 and Revelation 21:4.

López 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 (about 18.5 miles) from Adamuz, mobilized immediately. Adventist 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.

Authorities reported 41 fatalities, including the Alvia train driver, and 122 injuries. As of the latest update, 39 people remained hospitalized, 13 of them in intensive care. Rail infrastructure manager Adif suspended high-speed traffic between Madrid and key southern routes, including Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, and Huelva, affecting more than 200 services, while a large-scale emergency response involving the Military Emergencies Unit (UME), the Civil Guard, and local health services continued at the scene.g 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.

The original article was pubslihed on the Revista.Adventista Spanish news site.