A leading evangelical body in Spain has called for prayer and offered public condolences to the victims and families of the recent Adamuz train collision in Córdoba province, Andalusia, which killed 41 people and left hundreds injured, according to current reports.
The tragedy, described as the worst rail disaster in the country in a decade, happened when a Renfe Alvia train travelling from Málaga to Madrid collided with an Iryo train heading from Madrid to Huelva. At least 292 people were injured with 12 receiving care in intensive care, including four children, according to authorities.
Rescue teams continue attempts to free others at the collision site and Andalusian government officials warned the death toll could still rise. It is believed that some victims are trapped underneath the wreckage of the most damaged train carriages.
A faulty rail joint between two rail sections is the current theory for the accident, say investigators from the Commission for Investigation of Rail Accidents. Transport Minister Óscar Puente noted the accident is "extraordinarily strange" because the track had been renovated in May 2025 at a cost of €700 million ($815.1 million USD).
Following the accident, the Federation of Evangelical Religious Entities in Spain (Federación de Entidades Religiosas Evangélicas de España, FEREDE) issued a statement on social media calling on churches to unite in prayer.
“In view of the tragic train accident that occurred this weekend in the town of Adamuz (Córdoba), in which, according to the first information, dozens of people have lost their lives and many injured, we express our most sincere condolences and the solidarity of the entire evangelical community with the families of the victims, the injured and their relatives,” read the FEDERE statement in Spanish.
“We share with all of them the shock and deep pain for this terrible tragedy. We invite our churches and church leaders to join in prayer, asking God for comfort and strength for those affected, and wisdom for the authorities, emergency teams, experts and experts working to clarify the causes of the fire.
“We also ask that the necessary measures be taken to strengthen railway safety and to avoid the repetition of such unfortunate events.
“We trust in the hope of eternal life in Christ and affirm, even in the midst of pain, the assurance of God's love and eternal purposes.”
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Adamuz today and declared three days of official national mourning.
King Felipe VI spoke about both “consternation and our concern” in regards to the tragedy whilst attending the funeral of his maternal aunt, Princess Irene, in Athens today.
"The two trains that have suffered this accident and with so many victims... it seems that, well, the rescue efforts are not yet finished,” said Felipe VI. “We have been in communication with the President of the Government (Prime Minister) and the President of the Regional Government (of Andalusia) to learn the details since last night."
"And today, as soon as we finish, we are going to return as quickly as possible, of course, to stay updated and possibly prepare a visit to the area.
"I understand the desperation of the families and the high number of injured people who have suffered in this accident, and we are all truly worried. In short, we hope they recover as soon as possible."
The king also confirmed that arrangements were being made to see if he could visit the crash site.
“We were listening to the radio until just now, and indeed, the technicians and emergency services are still searching for possible victims. The priority right now is to attend to, accompany, help, and assist all the people who have been affected by this brutal accident."
The bravery of local residents in Adamuz who helped to assist at the train collision scene also earned the praise of the king. He expressed “words of gratitude toward them as well."
