The Cuban student and teacher, Daniela Arteaga Martínez, who was injured in the tragic train accident in Adamuz, Córdoba, is currently recuperating at the Reina Sofía University Hospital. She successfully underwent surgery for a fractured vertebra, as reported by El Periódico.
Originally from Havana and on a scholarship from the International University of Andalusia (UNIA) to pursue a master's degree in Education and Audiovisual Communication, Arteaga was traveling in the second car of the Alvia Madrid-Huelva train. This car was one of the most severely impacted in the derailment, which resulted in over 40 fatalities and left more than a hundred people injured.
According to the Spanish media outlet, the young woman sustained multiple rib fractures, head contusions, and a crushed vertebra due to the impact. She underwent a successful surgical procedure on Thursday, and her condition is stable with positive progress.
María de la O Barroso, the director of the UNIA campus in Santa María de La Rábida, recounted the anxious hours spent before confirming Daniela's whereabouts. "Those hours were extremely tough; I couldn’t stop thinking about her family being so far away," she told El Periódico, recalling the unsuccessful attempts to locate her during the night after the accident.
Barroso mentioned that the university was informed of Daniela's survival around 9:30 AM on Monday when the hospital confirmed her admission. "When I was told she was alive, I was overwhelmed with emotion," she admitted.
In addition to her physical injuries, the accident left Daniela without personal belongings or documentation, including her clothes and the visa she used to enter Spain. Her luggage was left at the site of the crash and, despite efforts with Renfe, has yet to be recovered.
In response to the situation, UNIA has initiated continuous support. The university's rector and academic leaders have traveled to Córdoba and are maintaining direct contact with Daniela's family in Cuba. "We feel a special responsibility for students from abroad who are here alone," Barroso emphasized.
While still in the hospital, the Cuban student has received support from the university community and Cuban residents in Spain, who have rallied to aid her recovery. In the coming days, a friend from Catalonia is expected to join her during her convalescence.
Daniela Arteaga had arrived in Spain just hours before the accident, eager to embark on what her professors and peers describe as the academic journey of her life. Now, from a hospital bed, she begins a slow recovery, reassured by the fact that she survived one of the most significant train disasters in recent Spanish history.
FAQs about Daniela Arteaga's Recovery and Support
What is Daniela Arteaga's current medical condition?
Daniela Arteaga is in stable condition and showing favorable progress following successful surgery for a fractured vertebra.
How is the university supporting Daniela Arteaga?
The International University of Andalusia has provided continuous support, with the rector and academic leaders maintaining contact with her family and traveling to Córdoba. Additionally, the university community and Cuban residents in Spain have mobilized to assist her recovery.
Has Daniela Arteaga recovered her personal belongings?
As of now, Daniela's personal belongings, including her luggage and documentation, have not been recovered from the accident site despite ongoing efforts.