Spain Train Derailment Near Barcelona Kills Driver and Injures 36 Passengers
Spanish authorities have confirmed that a commuter train derailed near Barcelona on Wednesday, resulting in the death of the driver and injuries to 36 passengers. The accident occurred when the train struck a retaining wall that had collapsed onto the tracks in Gelida, on the outskirts of Barcelona, due to heavy rainfall.
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, dispatching 20 ambulances and 38 firefighter units to assist with the rescue operation. According to Claudi Gallardo, an inspector at the Catalonia regional fire department, all passengers were successfully removed from the train. The Catalonia civil protection agency later revised the injury toll, reporting that five individuals are in a serious condition, five in a less serious state, and 26 with mild injuries.
The Central Airport and Public Transport Area has launched initial investigations into the derailment, focusing on the causes and potential safety lapses. A support centre for relatives of those affected has been established at the Casablanca Urbanisation civic centre to provide assistance during this difficult time.
Context of Recent Spanish Rail Tragedies
This incident comes just two days after a devastating high-speed train collision near Adamuz in the Córdoba province, which claimed 42 lives and left dozens injured. That crash, involving trains operated by Iryo and Renfe, occurred when one train derailed and collided with another, marking one of Europe's worst railway accidents in eight decades.
The suburban train derailment in Gelida highlights ongoing concerns about underfunded rail services and frequent incidents in the area, raising questions about infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols across Spain's railway network.
Additional Rail Disruption in Catalonia
In a separate incident on Tuesday night, traffic between Blanes and Maçanet-Massanes, part of the Barcelona commuter rail network, was interrupted due to a train axle coming off the track. Spanish rail operator Adif confirmed the disruption, though no injuries were reported in this case.
These consecutive accidents have sparked renewed scrutiny of Spain's railway safety standards and emergency preparedness, as authorities work to prevent future tragedies and support the victims and their families.
