There is “ongoing travel disruption” in Spain
There is “ongoing travel disruption” in Spain
A warning has been issued for anyone travelling to Spain. The Foreign Office has updated the latest information regarding ongoing travel disruption in the country. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about the risks of travel, to help you make informed decision.
The FCDO’s latest update is titled: “Updated information on ongoing travel disruption affecting routes between Madrid and Andalusia.” The warning comes after a high-speed train crash which left 45 people dead on Sunday evening.
On January 18, two high‑speed trains collided near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba in Andalusia, southern Spain. High‑speed rail services between Madrid and Andalusia remain severely disrupted.
Sunday’s collision occurred at 7.45 pm, when the rear of a train travelling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming train travelling from Madrid to Huelva, another city in the south, as reported by rail operator Adif.
Renfe, the national railway operator, has introduced a replacement transport plan combining train and bus services. Additional bus and rail services operate on some routes.
The Foreign office has issued a warning for anyone travelling to Spain following the incident. They have advised travellers to:
- check the latest information with your train operator before you travel
- allow extra time for your journey
- follow local authority advice
The warning also added: “If you need assistance or information about affected passengers, you can contact:
- ADIF: (+34) 900 10 10 20 @Adif_es
- IRYO: (+34) 900 00 14 02 @iryo_eu
- Emergency services (112 EMA): From inside Andalusia: 061; from outside Andalusia: (+34) 953 00 11 49
“If you are a British national and you or a family member have been affected by this accident and require consular support, call the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.”
The Foreign Office added: “If you are planning to travel to Spain through France, check the travel advice for France before you start your journey.
“If you are planning to travel to Spain through Gibraltar, check the travel advice for Gibraltar before you start your journey. No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Following the incident, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told a press conference: “It is true that society is asking itself what has happened and how.
“We will get to the truth, we will find out the answer and when we know it, we will release to the public with absolute transparency and clarity.”
If you are a British national and you or a family member have been affected by this accident and require consular support, call the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
You should check with your airline, tour operator or transport company whether there is any planned strike action which might disrupt your journey.
If you are in Spain and there is a medical emergency, you can dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. The Foreign Office advises you to contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
To get medically necessary state healthcare in Spain, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
