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The Cuban Daniela Arteaga Martínez, 28 years old, is recovering from the injuries sustained in the serious train accident that occurred on Sunday in Spain, where two trains collided.
Daniela, who arrived that same day in Spain from Cuba, was traveling on a train from Madrid to Huelva to enroll in a master's program at the International University of Andalusia (UNIA), a project she faced with great excitement after winning a scholarship.
According to the newspaper Huelva, the director of the Ibero-American Headquarters of La Rábida, María de la O Barroso, confirmed that the student is "stable and progressing well" at the Reina Sofía University Hospital in Córdoba.
The UNIA heard from her on Monday at around 9:00 am, after hours of distress during which they were unable to reach her.
Daniela was traveling in car 2, one of the most affected, which was thrown off after the impact.
The alarm was triggered when, upon learning the extent of the disaster, the university administration attempted to confirm that all students and teachers had arrived in Huelva. An instructor from another master's program was able to report that he was safe, but it was impossible to establish communication with Daniela.
"I called her phone many times, but she didn't answer," explained Barroso, who went that same night to the information center set up at the Huelva train station. The worst fears were reinforced when the railway company confirmed that the young woman was in one of the cars that had been ejected.
The situation was even more distressing because Daniela has no family in Spain. Her family was following everything from Cuba, thousands of kilometers away, with no clear news. Finally, Monday morning brought relief: she was found alive and admitted to a hospital in Córdoba.
The young woman suffered fractures in several ribs and bruises on her head, although her life is not in danger. The rector and the director of UNIA went to the hospital to be with her and to act as a liaison between the doctors and her family.
Daniela is a designer and professor, graduated from the Higher Institute of Design (ISDi) in Havana, belonging to the 33rd graduating class, and she teaches Visual Communication Design.
The institution publicly expressed its support and confirmed that her condition is stable and not life-threatening.
"All of her family from ISDi appreciates every act of solidarity with Daniela and hopes for her quick recovery so that she can continue with her professional advancement, as she is surrounded by much love and has a bright future ahead. Many blessings and strength to Daniela Arteaga," the institutional message stated.
He had arrived at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport on the same day as the accident and took the Alvia as the only means to reach the UNIA headquarters in Huelva.
The university had granted her a scholarship to pursue a master's degree in Communication and Audiovisual Education, a academic project that she approached -according to those who know her- with "a great deal of enthusiasm".
Ignacio Aguaded, the director of the master's program, wrote that Daniela had arrived "filled with the great excitement of starting the academic project of her life" and that she was now fighting to recover after being trapped "in a tangle of metal."
From the UNIA, they assured that it will be treated "as if it were in their family."
The accident left 43 dead and more than 150 injured, and it has been considered one of the most serious among high-speed train incidents in Spain. Amidst that tragedy, Daniela's story represents a note of hope.
As he continues his recovery, the university maintains constant contact with his loved ones in Cuba, who follow each piece of news with understandable concern and relief.
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