English
Español
A routine morning in the quiet Gijón hamlet of Fontaciera, Asturias, Spain, turned extraordinary on Wednesday when a pregnant cow was struck by a train along the Gijón–Pola de Laviana line. The impact killed the cow, named Verrugas, but caused an unprecedented event: one of her calves was violently expelled from the womb and miraculously survived. Tragically, Verrugas and her other calf did not survive the collision.
Hours later, authorities made an equally shocking discovery: the decomposed remains of a man in the immediate vicinity of the tracks. The chain of events left local residents stunned and drew nationwide attention.
A Startling Morning on the Tracks
The accident occurred around 6 a.m., catching both the farmer and neighbors by surprise. According to witnesses, the force of the train expelled two calves from the mother’s womb. One calf was crushed beneath the train, while the other—later named Milagros, meaning “miracle” in Spanish—survived against the odds. 
Her owner, Ramón C., recalled the shock of learning the news:
“I was called very early to say one of my pregnant cows had been hit by a train. I couldn’t believe one of the calves was alive—it seemed impossible. I had to name her Milagros; it was truly a miracle.”
Milagros was quickly transported to a nearby farm, approximately 100 meters from the accident site, where she received immediate care. Despite her premature and violent entry into the world, she was walking within hours. “She was weak at first, but now she moves around the stable easily,” Ramón added.
'Milagros', la xata de Gijón que sobrevivió al atropello de un tren https://t.co/xZFvYiZRmw
— EL COMERCIO Gijón (@vecinosdegijon) September 11, 2025
Discovery of Human Remains
The dramatic morning did not end with the cow and her calves. Guardia Civil officers responding to the accident discovered a human body in an advanced state of decomposition near the tracks. Sources cited by El Comercio suggest the remains had likely been there for about four months. Early investigations indicate the death was from natural causes, with no signs of foul play. Authorities believe the man may have been homeless, having sought shelter in an abandoned building near the Pinzales train stop.
A Guardia Civil spokesperson confirmed:
“There are no signs of criminal activity. Our preliminary findings indicate this was a natural death, possibly of someone who took refuge in a nearby abandoned structure.”
Community Reaction
The unusual combination of events—an extraordinary survival and a grim discovery—left residents of Fontaciera both shocked and amazed. One neighbor remarked,
“One day, nothing happens; the next, everything happens.”
Milagros quickly became a symbol of hope and resilience in the community. Residents have been visiting the farm to see the calf, whose very name reflects the miraculous circumstances of her survival.
Ramón C. shared more details about her condition:
“She was weak and just born, but alive. We gave her care and attention, and now she walks around with ease. It’s astonishing to see her recover so quickly.”
🐮😮Una vaca es arrollada por un tren, da a luz en el impacto y conduce al hallazgo de un cadáver.
— 101TV Málaga (@101tvMalaga) September 21, 2025
📲Más información en https://t.co/XrOoC7il3m#Vaca #Tren #Gijón pic.twitter.com/3bpOIWsix0
A Rare and Unusual Incident
The combination of a train accident in Gijón, a prematurely expelled calf surviving, and the discovery of human remains is exceptionally rare. Authorities continue investigating the man’s death, though preliminary signs point to natural causes.
For the local community, the story of Milagros has become a source of inspiration. In a quiet rural area accustomed to routine, this singular day served as a vivid reminder of life’s fragility—and its unexpected miracles.
Safety and Looking Ahead
Officials have emphasized the importance of safety near train tracks, particularly for livestock and individuals in vulnerable situations. For now, Milagros remains a living testament to survival against the odds, while the community processes the unexpected loss of life nearby.
The calf’s extraordinary story, juxtaposed with the somber discovery, has captivated both local and national audiences, ensuring that Milagros will be remembered as a symbol of hope in Gijón for years to come.
Information Source:
Photo Attribution:
Cow (Fleckvieh breed) Oeschinensee Slaunger 2009-07-07 by Kim Hansen is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Wikimedia Commons
