Lorraine Williamson
What began as a routine early-morning journey on the Gijón–Laviana railway line became an extraordinary story of loss and survival. Just after 6.00 am on Wednesday, a passenger train struck a pregnant cow that had wandered onto the tracks at Fontaciera, a rural parish of the Asturian city of Gijón.
The impact killed the cow and one of her unborn calves. But amid the devastation, another calf was flung clear of its mother’s womb and somehow lived.
Milagros: a fitting name
The animal’s owner, Ramón, could scarcely believe his eyes when he found the tiny calf breathing by the rails. He named her Milagros – Spanish for “miracles” – in tribute to the astonishing circumstances of her birth. Neighbours in Fontaciera have already taken to calling her “the miracle calf”, a story that has spread across Asturias as a rare moment of wonder born from tragedy.
Another pregnant cow miracle story
Passengers escape unharmed
The train, operated by Feve, was carrying just nine people. Thanks to the low speed as it approached Pinzales station and the swift action of the conductor, no passengers were injured. Still, the collision derailed the locomotive and forced Renfe to suspend services between Gijón and El Berrón. Replacement buses were rolled out while crews worked to clear the line. Services on the C-5 and C-7 routes were affected until the tracks were secured.
Renewed concerns over railway safety
The bizarre accident has reignited debate over safety on rural rail lines. In farming areas like La Pedrera, livestock often graze near tracks with minimal fencing. While such collisions are rare, the derailment highlights gaps in oversight that can have major consequences. Local authorities are now weighing stronger barriers and monitoring to stop animals from straying onto the rails.
A story that will linger
For Ramón and his neighbours, the calf’s survival has become a symbol of resilience. Milagros is recovering well under his care and will almost certainly become something of a mascot for the village. What could have been remembered solely as another railway disruption is instead being retold as a tale of improbable survival – one that blends heartbreak, luck, and the enduring fascination of life finding a way.
Source: El Comercio