Barcelona Train Crash Claims Life of Driver, Injures Dozens
In a tragic incident that highlights the dangers of severe weather conditions, a commuter train derailed near Barcelona, Spain, on Tuesday evening. The accident resulted in the death of the train driver and left at least 37 people injured, five of them severely. The derailment occurred between Gelida and Sant Sadurní, approximately 35 kilometers (21.7 miles) west of Barcelona.
Heavy Storms May Have Contributed to Derailment
Local officials reported that the Rodalies train collided with a retaining wall that had fallen onto the tracks. This incident happened amidst heavy storms that were battering north-eastern Spain. Coastal areas in the east and north-west of the country were on high alert due to the severe weather conditions. The storm may have played a significant role in the accident by dislodging the retaining wall or causing other track obstructions.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The Catalonia regional fire service, led by Inspector Claudi Gallardo, confirmed that all passengers had been removed from the train. Eleven ambulances were dispatched to the scene in Gelida to treat the injured. Emergency services reported that 35 crews were sent to the area, and one passenger who was trapped inside the train was successfully rescued.
According to a later update, no one remained inside the wreckage, and crews were conducting a sweep of the area to ensure there were no further victims. The injured were evacuated to nearby hospitals, including Moisès Broggi, Bellvitge, and Vila Franca. Among the injured, five were in serious condition, six in less serious condition, and 26 with mild injuries.
Another Train Derailment on Barcelona Commuter Network
In a related incident, another train on the Barcelona commuter network also derailed on Tuesday. Spain's rail network operator, Adif, stated that the axle of the train was struck by a rock dislodged by the storm. This train was running between Blanes and Maçanet-Massanes, located north-east of Barcelona. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident, but services were suspended.
Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that about 400,000 commuters are expected to be without train services on Wednesday morning due to the suspension of services across the Rodalies commuter rail network. The suspension is part of safety checks being conducted to ensure the integrity of the rail network following the accidents.
Recent High-Speed Collision in Andalusia
The incidents in Catalonia come just two days after a deadly collision between two high-speed trains in Adamuz, Andalusia. This collision is considered one of the worst Spanish rail accidents in over a decade. At least 42 people died when carriages on a Madrid-bound train derailed, crossed over to the opposite tracks, and collided with an oncoming high-speed train.
Rail Safety and Future Precautions
The recent string of accidents has raised concerns about rail safety in Spain. Rail operators are expected to meet with authorities after the safety inspections to discuss measures that can be taken to prevent future incidents. The impact of severe weather on rail infrastructure is also likely to be a key topic of discussion, given the role that storms may have played in the recent derailments.
As the investigation into the Barcelona train crash continues, the focus remains on the victims and their families. The community is also grappling with the disruption to commuter services and the broader implications for rail safety in the region. The Spanish government and rail authorities will need to address these issues promptly to restore public confidence in the rail network.
