On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage left thousands stranded across Spain, with Villanueva de Córdoba emerging as a focal point for emergency assistance. Approximately 700 passengers were trapped in three high-speed trains in the area, prompting a coordinated rescue effort involving local authorities, emergency services, and volunteers.
The blackout, which began around 12:30 PM, affected the entire Iberian Peninsula, disrupting not only train services but also communications. As the situation unfolded, confusion reigned among passengers who were left in the dark about their circumstances. By 9 PM, the Villanueva de Córdoba Town Hall was alerted to the crisis, leading to the establishment of a crisis management team.
Local officials, including Mayor Isaac Reyes, worked alongside the Civil Guard, Local Police, Civil Protection, and Red Cross personnel to formulate a response. They organized the evacuation of passengers from the stranded trains, which included the AVE 83 service from Valencia to Seville.
To facilitate the evacuation, private vehicles were used to transport passengers from the trains to nearby buses, prioritizing those with infants and medical needs. A total of four buses were dispatched to assist in the evacuation efforts. Meanwhile, the Town Hall set up the Municipal Pavilion as a shelter, providing mattresses, blankets, sandwiches, and water, thanks to contributions from local supermarkets and businesses.
In addition to the passengers in Villanueva de Córdoba, around 200 travelers were assisted at Mesas de Guadalora (Hornachuelos), where the Civil Guard provided support to those on the Iryo Madrid-Sevilla train. The overall impact of the outage left approximately 13,000 people stranded across the country.
As power was gradually restored, aid workers continued to provide essential supplies to those still in need. In Villanueva de Córdoba, the Red Cross distributed food, water, and blankets to the passengers who remained on the third train, which had not been evacuated. The situation began to stabilize by the morning of April 29, with many passengers returning to the Villanueva station.
Throughout the night, the community displayed remarkable solidarity, with over 218 passengers receiving assistance in various forms. This included the provision of hot meals and warm drinks, as well as emotional support as many travelers struggled to contact their loved ones due to the outage.
Mayor Isaac Reyes expressed gratitude to all volunteers and local residents who helped during the crisis, stating, "We want to thank the citizens of Villanueva de Córdoba for their collaboration during these complex hours experienced throughout Spain." His sentiments were echoed by the Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, who took to social media to commend the efforts of the local community and the mayor for their swift and effective response.
As the emergency unfolded, the Spanish government reported a significant decrease in crime, with a 32% reduction in criminal activity in Andalusia during the night of the blackout. This was attributed to the deployment of additional police forces to ensure public safety.
On April 29, the Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, announced the deactivation of the national emergency declaration for eight autonomous communities, including Andalucía, as the situation returned to normal. However, investigations were launched into whether the blackout was linked to a fatal fire in Madrid and three deaths in Galicia.
In the aftermath of the power outage, the automotive sector in Córdoba began to return to normal, although delays were reported due to the disruption of activities. José Manuel Rodríguez-Carretero, manager of the provincial automotive association, noted that while the impact was manageable, it still affected the operations of many businesses reliant on electricity.
As the community of Villanueva de Córdoba continues to recover from the incident, the local authorities have emphasized the importance of staying informed and following official guidance during such emergencies. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by the residents during the crisis serves as a reminder of the strength of community support in times of need.
In summary, the events of April 28, 2025, highlighted the resilience of the Villanueva de Córdoba community and the effectiveness of coordinated emergency responses. As power is restored and services resume, the town reflects on a night of solidarity amid chaos.
