Eduard Daza, from Sabadell, and his partner, Irene Verdugo, decided in late December to make the most of their mini-vacation in Málaga, a decision that proved crucial. They were initially scheduled to return to Madrid on Sunday at 6:40 PM, but opted to change their reservation to the last Iryo train, departing at 8:40 PM.
“"With my partner, who lives in Madrid, we decided at the end of December to go to Málaga last weekend. At the last minute, before making the reservation, we changed the ticket for the last Iryo train that leaves Málaga for Madrid, at 8:40 PM, to enjoy the mini-vacation a little longer."
The alarm was raised at Málaga María Zambrano station around seven in the evening when the screens began showing all trains suspended. Upon asking Iryo staff, they learned of the derailment on the line. At that moment, Daza searched for information on the social network X and saw the magnitude of the tragedy, realizing how lucky they had been.
Given the uncertainty, the couple decided to stay in a nearby hotel. They were among the first to secure a room, as the station soon filled with media, the Red Cross, and relocated passengers. To return home, they had to book flights for Monday, with the cost soaring to nearly 400 euros per person, far exceeding the initial 64 euros.
The death toll from the high-speed train accident in Córdoba has risen to 41, as confirmed by the Andalusia emergency service on Tuesday. Additionally, 39 people remain hospitalized, 13 of whom are in the ICU. Emergency services continue working to recover bodies from the wreckage of the convoy.
