Podcast Summary: "Así fue el rescate en las horas más críticas en Adamuz"

Podcast: Más de uno
Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Guest: Paco Carmona (Jefe del Consorcio de Bomberos de la Diputación de Córdoba)
Date: January 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the harrowing and complex rescue operation following a major train accident involving the Alvia and Lirio trains near Adamuz. Host Carlos Alsina speaks with Paco Carmona, leading firefighter and head of the local fire consortium, about the difficulties, emotional toll, and realities of the rescue, including the challenges faced in reaching and recovering both survivors and victims from the wreckage.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Scene and Initial Rescue Efforts

[00:00–00:43]

• Alsina introduces Paco Carmona and sets the stage, describing the severe aftermath of the crash, particularly the location of the derailed Alvia wagons where most fatalities occurred.
• Carmona explains the immediate response:
  • The fire brigade extracted all accessible victims but faced obstructions from the mangled state of the wagons.
  • Five victims were confirmed to still be trapped in Alvia wagons, and three more in the Lirio, with extraction of some particularly challenging due to physical conditions (such as one large victim weighing 130 kg, for whom it was not safe to remove by hand).

Technical Complexity and Access for Heavy Equipment

[00:43–01:55]

• Discussion focuses on logistics for removing the wagons:
  • A heavy crane was scheduled to lift the wagons, necessary because manual extraction wasn't possible in such dangerous conditions.
  • Carmona outlines how the crane will first address the Alvia, after which it must be moved 800 meters to deal with the Lirio, reflecting the sheer scale and complexity of the operation.

Emotional Toll and the Most Difficult Rescues

[01:55–03:50]

• Alsina asks Carmona to reflect on his career and measure this operation against past incidents.
• Carmona, with 28 years of experience, admits:
  • “Es verdad que 30, 40, 50 víctimas así de golpe y poroso, encontrártelas pues te impacta un poco. Además el rescate fue muy exigente.” (02:25)
  • He compares the event’s emotional impact to another disaster, the DANA, stating that these are the most significant operations of his career.
  • Elaborates on the physical and psychological challenges: twisted metal, need to cut through debris, slow and dangerous progress.
• Memorable moment:
  • “Tuvimos que retirar a algún fallecido para poder acceder a algún vivo que estaba debajo. Una persona viva.” (03:18)
  • Carmona emphasizes the heart-wrenching reality that, at times, they had to move deceased victims to reach survivors.

Prioritizing Survivors and Honoring the Deceased

[03:50–04:11]

• Alsina highlights the ethical and human side: the need to respect the deceased, even under pressure.
• Carmona agrees:
  • “Intentar siempre no producirle ninguna otra lesión añadida de la que ya pueda tener, porque los familiares tienen que ver a sus familiares enteros…” (04:01)
  • Underlines the focus on both rescue and maintaining dignity for those lost.

Identification and Forensic Challenges

[04:11–04:34]

• Carmona details:
  • Ongoing work by forensic teams for initial identification.
  • The necessity of thorough processes (including visual and potential DNA identification) to ensure families receive their loved ones’ remains accurately.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Paco Carmona on emotional impact:

  • “30, 40, 50 víctimas así de golpe y poroso, encontrártelas pues te impacta un poco.” (02:25)

• On the rescue difficulties:

  • “Fue complicado. Fue bastante complicadillo.” (03:05)

• On rescue priorities:

  • “La prioridad es salvar a los que están con vida... pero a la vez siempre procuráis el mayor de los respetos para el cuerpo de la persona fallecida.” (03:50 - Alsina, with response from Carmona)

• Memorable and harrowing moment:

  • “Tuvimos que retirar a algún fallecido para poder acceder a algún vivo que estaba debajo.” (03:18)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:43] — Carmona outlines the technical obstacles in accessing all victims.
• [01:55] — Reflection on the scale and emotional toll versus past emergencies.
• [03:18] — Specifics of rescue efforts, including the difficult choice of moving deceased to save lives.
• [04:01] — The importance of dignity and respect in treating the deceased.
• [04:19] — Description of ongoing forensic identification and support for families.

Overall Tone

The conversation is sober, compassionate, and respectful, capturing both the technical and deeply human sides of a tragedy. Carmona speaks with the calm authority of long experience yet shows emotion, particularly in recalling the scale of the disaster and the critical moments when lives were saved under extreme pressure.

Takeaway

This episode offers a gripping, inside look at the challenges and courageous efforts of emergency responders in the aftermath of a large-scale railway disaster, highlighting not only the technical hurdles but also the emotional burdens involved in saving lives and handling loss with dignity.