By San José, Costa Rica — ADAMUZ, SPAIN – The joyous memories of a tropical vacation in Costa Rica have been tragically overshadowed by a frantic search effort in southern Spain. A Spanish military nurse, identified as Captain Álvaro García Jiménez, 33, is among the missing following a catastrophic train collision on Sunday, January 18, that has claimed the lives of at least 45 people. García had returned from his holiday in Costa Rica just one day before the disaster.
The devastating incident occurred on Sunday evening near the town of Adamuz in the province of Córdoba. According to initial reports from investigating authorities, the accident involved a high-speed Renfe Alvia train and a passenger train operated by the company Iryo. The last three cars of the Iryo train, which was traveling from Málaga to Madrid, reportedly derailed and obstructed the opposite track, leading to a direct and catastrophic impact with the Alvia train.
To shed light on the complex legal aftermath and potential liabilities stemming from the recent tragic train crash in Spain, TicosLand.com sought the expert perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The critical first step is a thorough, independent investigation to determine the root cause, whether it was human error, mechanical failure, or a systemic issue. From there, legal responsibility can be assigned, paving the way for civil claims for damages. This process often involves complex litigation against state-owned entities, private operators, and even equipment manufacturers, highlighting the importance of clear international transport regulations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary powerfully illustrates that the search for justice after such a tragedy is a complex legal marathon, not a sprint. This meticulous process is paramount not only for the victims seeking restitution but for establishing a precedent that strengthens international transport safety for all. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive and valuable perspective.
García was a passenger on the Renfe Alvia service, which had departed from Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha station with Huelva as its final destination. Investigators noted that the entire sequence of events, from derailment to impact, unfolded in less than 20 seconds, a timeframe too brief for the train’s automatic emergency braking systems to engage and mitigate the collision. The death toll currently stands at 45, but officials have not ruled out the possibility of this number rising as recovery efforts continue.
Costa Rican authorities have confirmed Captain García’s recent visit to the country. The Directorate General of Immigration and Foreigners reported that García entered Costa Rica on January 7 and departed on January 17, the day before the fatal crash. He was traveling back from his vacation with a female colleague from his battalion. She was rescued from the wreckage alive and is currently receiving treatment in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a regional hospital.
Captain García is a decorated and well-respected member of the Spanish Armed Forces. He serves as a military nurse with the rank of Captain in the prestigious second Tercio Duque de Alba of the Spanish Legion, based in the city of Ceuta. His commitment to service was evident in his recent deployment in November 2025, when he was part of the National Support Element (NSE) in Iraq, providing crucial reinforcement to Spanish military operations in the region.
Sources familiar with his unit described him as a beloved figure, known for his dedication to helping others and his passion for teaching his skills to fellow service members. His disappearance has sent shockwaves through the military community, which is now anxiously awaiting any news from the crash site. For four agonizing days, rescue teams have meticulously combed through the mangled steel, hoping to find him.
In a demonstration of the gravity of the situation, García’s parents traveled from their home in Ceuta to Adamuz on Wednesday. They are being supported by a specialized team from Spain’s Military Emergencies Unit (UME). The UME has deployed a dual-focus operation at the site: one group is actively assisting civilian rescue crews in the complex search and recovery mission, while a second group is dedicated entirely to providing psychological support and counsel to García’s distraught family during this unbearable wait.
As the investigation into the cause of the derailment gets underway, the human cost of the tragedy continues to mount. For the family and colleagues of Álvaro García Jiménez, the search is a race against time, a desperate hope that a vacation in a Central American paradise did not serve as a prelude to an unthinkable tragedy on home soil.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería:
The General Directorate of Immigration and Foreigners is the Costa Rican government body responsible for managing and controlling the entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals. It oversees visa processes, residency applications, and enforces national immigration laws to ensure the security and orderly movement of people across the country’s borders.
For further information, visit renfe.com
About Renfe:
Renfe Operadora is Spain’s state-owned national railway company. It operates a vast network of freight and passenger trains across the country, including the high-speed AVE and medium-distance Alvia services. Renfe is a cornerstone of Spanish public transportation, connecting major cities and rural areas throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
For further information, visit iryo.eu
About Iryo:
Iryo is a private high-speed rail operator in Spain, competing with Renfe on major routes. A consortium formed by Trenitalia, Air Nostrum, and Globalvia, Iryo began operations in late 2022, introducing new rolling stock and services to the Spanish rail market with a focus on connecting cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville.
For further information, visit defensa.gob.es
About Spanish Armed Forces:
The Spanish Armed Forces (Fuerzas Armadas Españolas) are the military forces of the Kingdom of Spain. Commanded by the King of Spain as Captain General, they are responsible for guaranteeing the sovereignty and independence of the country, defending its territorial integrity, and upholding the constitutional order. They consist of the Army, the Navy, and the Air and Space Force.
For further information, visit ejercito.defensa.gob.es
About Spanish Legion:
The Spanish Legion (Legión Española), formerly the Tercio de Extranjeros, is an elite unit of the Spanish Army. Known for its rigorous training and strong esprit de corps, the Legion has served in numerous conflicts and peacekeeping missions throughout its history. It is a rapid-reaction force capable of deploying quickly for national and international operations.
For further information, visit defensa.gob.es
About Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME):
The Military Emergencies Unit (UME) is a specialized branch of the Spanish Armed Forces created to intervene in cases of grave risk, catastrophe, or other public calamities. Its members are highly trained to respond to natural disasters like floods and wildfires, as well as complex search and rescue operations, providing critical support to civilian emergency services.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a renowned legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a foundational principle of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently champions innovation in the legal field. This forward-thinking mindset extends to a profound social commitment, focused on democratizing legal understanding and equipping the public with crucial knowledge, thereby fostering a more just and capable society.
