Data from the Iryo and Alvia train recorders reveals the dramatic course of the disaster in Spain's Adamuz. From the first anomaly to the collision, only 15 seconds passed, making it impossible to avoid the crash.

Critical 15 Seconds

Analysis of the black boxes showed that this was the time from the derailment of the Iryo train to the impact of the Alvia train.

No Chance for Reaction

Despite the activation of emergency brakes by the driver of the Alvia train, the collision occurred 6 seconds later.

Broken Rail Hypothesis

Investigators from the CIAF are examining a broken rail as the main cause of the first train leaving the tracks.

Appointment of an Accident Commissioner

The Junta de Andalucía will appoint a special official to coordinate victim assistance and oversee the investigation.

Analysis of the black boxes from the trains involved in the Adamuz disaster showed that only 15 seconds elapsed from the first symptoms of derailment to the moment the trains collided. The first critical anomaly, involving an electrical disconnection of the engine, was recorded by the onboard systems precisely at 19:43:29. Despite the lightning-fast reaction of the safety systems, the Alvia 2384 train struck the Iryo train just 6 seconds after the automatic activation of the emergency brakes. The Commission for the Investigation of Railway Accidents, known as CIAF, currently points to a broken rail as the most likely cause of the initial derailment. Experts emphasize that in such a short time interval, the drivers had no real chance of avoiding the collision.

Technical data obtained from the journey parameter recorders reinforce the hypothesis of sudden damage to the track infrastructure, which led to the tragic event. The recordings confirm that the Alvia 2384 train attempted to brake, but the momentum and the short distance separating it from the other train prevented it from stopping before the impact. The Adamuz accident is part of a series of safety analyses of the Spanish high-speed network, where train control systems are designed to minimize human error. Historically, Spanish railways have placed great emphasis on route modernization, but broken rails remain one of the most difficult threats to detect in real time. Investigations into similar cases in the past have typically lasted many months, requiring detailed metallurgical expertise of the damaged track components.

In response to the tragic events, the Junta de Andalucía announced on Wednesday the creation of a special position of Commissioner for the Adamuz accident, who is to coordinate post-accident actions and support for the victims. Parallel to the work of the investigative commission, ceremonies were held in Spain commemorating the 22nd anniversary of the March 11 attacks, known as 11M. During these commemorations, the victims of that tragedy appealed for dignity, memory, and the development of education that could prevent radicalization in the future. „Las víctimas del 11M piden dignidad, memoria y educación para evitar la radicalización 22 años después” — Victims of 11M via eldiario.es

Currently, investigators' efforts are focused on a meticulous reconstruction of the last seconds before the disaster, made possible by precise readings from both train units. The appointment of a commissioner by the regional authorities aims to ensure transparency in the process of clarifying the causes and efficient communication with the families of the victims of the Adamuz accident. Chronology of the Adamuz Disaster: 19:43:29 — First Anomaly; 19:43:38 — Emergency Braking; 19:43:44 — Collision 15 (seconds) — time from derailment to train collision