Remar SOS, the emergency response branch of the evangelical NGO Remar, has been helping those affected by the high-speed train accident that took place between the municipalities of Los Yébenes and Urda, in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain).

Spanish news website, Protestante Digital has spoken to Zeljko Bencic, a Remar volunteer who has been on the ground.

He recounts that the relief centre was filled with train passengers, as well as family members and friends of those whose whereabouts were unknown.

All Evangelical Focus news and opinion, on your WhatsApp

The team brought essential supplies, including hot coffee, breakfast, wet wipes and water, and as the hours passed, people began to bring all sorts of aid. “You could really see the solidarity of the Spanish people”, he says.

Advice and encouragement

The work was not limited to distributing food and drink. “We also tried to offer advice and encouragement”, he explains, while also coordinating with the police and firefighters working at the scene of the accident.

The hardest moments came when family members were informed of the death of a loved one. “That’s when it really becomes a tragedy and a time of deep sadness”.

Four members of Remar were there from morning until night on Wednesday, after most of the injured had been taken to hospital and the relatives had been taken to Toledo to await medical and forensic reports.

Bencic stresses that the volunteer work is “very sensitive. You offer your help and support, but you cannot intrude abruptly because everyone reacts differently”.

Remar has offered accommodation to those affected and is in contact with the mayor of Urda and officials from Renfe in case they need assistance.

“There is so much sadness, so much helplessness”

Bencic, who was born in Croatia, has first-hand experience of war, having lived through it in his own country. “I have never been in such a painful situation. There is so much sadness, so much helplessness”.

Remar SOS responds to major disasters: it was present during the DANA flood in Valencia, where volunteers spent months clearing up and assisting those affected, and during the recent earthquake in Venezuela; it also runs soup kitchens and camps in Ukraine.

“We don’t do this for any personal gain or for media attention. We understand the need in these times of crisis and, thank God, we have God’s provision to act quickly”, he concludes.

The Christian group Brigada Decisión, launched just a few days ago, was also present at the relief centre, providing pastoral care and support to the families of the victims.