The bridge, inaugurated in 1864,[1] is located at kilometre point 279 of the Madrid–Ciudad Real–Badajoz railway line, between the stations of Chillón and Almadenejos.

[2] The events took place in the early morning of 27 April 1884, at about 04:00 AM,[1] when a locomotive (along several carriages and cages with sheep) derailed off the bridge.

[1] The incident report was jointly drafted by engineers employed by the Spanish State and MZA.

[3] The experts reported one of the three pillars of the bridge had been cut down, prompting the contemporary press to talk about an alleged premeditated sabotage.

[4] The train drivers were indicted of homicide and injuries, and the trial started in 1885.