Spain Train Crash Near Barcelona Kills Driver, Injures Dozens Amid Storms
BARCELONA, Spain—A commuter train derailed near Barcelona on Tuesday evening, killing the driver and injuring at least 37 people in the second deadly train crash in Spain in just three days. The incident occurred as heavy storms battered north-eastern Spain, with coastal areas on high alert due to severe weather conditions.
Derailment Details and Immediate Response
According to local officials, the Rodalies commuter train collided with a retaining wall that had fallen onto the tracks between Gelida and Sant Sadurní, approximately 35km (21.7 miles) west of Barcelona. The Catalonia regional fire service confirmed that all passengers were removed from the wreckage, and emergency crews worked swiftly to rescue those trapped.
Emergency Services on the Scene
Eleven ambulances were deployed to Gelida, along with 35 fire crews, to treat the injured. One passenger was initially trapped inside the train but was successfully rescued. Catalonia’s fire service later reported that no one remained inside the wreckage, and crews were conducting a sweep to rule out additional victims.
Injured Passengers Transported to Hospitals
Emergency services evacuated the injured to nearby Moisès Broggi, Bellvitge, and Vila Franca hospitals. Among the 37 injured, five were seriously injured, six were in less serious condition, and 26 had mild injuries, according to emergency medical services.
Second Train Derailment in One Day
In a separate incident on Tuesday, another train on the Barcelona commuter network also derailed. Spain’s rail network operator, Adif, stated that “the axle was struck by a rock dislodged by the storm.” No injuries were reported in that incident, but services were suspended between Blanes and Maçanet-Massanes, north-east of Barcelona.
Massive Disruption to Commuter Services
With both incidents, services across the Rodalies commuter rail network have been completely suspended for safety checks. Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that approximately 400,000 commuters could be affected on Wednesday morning. Rail operators are expected to meet with authorities following the inspections to address safety concerns.
Connection to Previous Deadly Crash
This week’s crashes come just two days after a devastating collision between two high-speed trains in Adamuz, Andalusia, which is being described as one of the worst Spanish rail accidents in over a decade. At least 42 people died when carriages on a Madrid-bound train derailed and crossed to the opposite tracks, colliding with an oncoming high-speed train.
Nation Grapples with Back-to-Back Tragedies
Spain’s rail authorities are now facing intense scrutiny as they investigate both incidents. The connection between the recent crashes—whether due to storm conditions or underlying infrastructure issues—remains under investigation. Officials have not yet released details on the cause of the Barcelona-area derailment.
Weather Plays a Role in Recent Incidents
North-eastern Spain has been experiencing severe weather, with heavy storms causing widespread disruption. Coastal areas in the east and north-west of the country are on high alert, and weather-related incidents have been reported across multiple regions. The role of the storm in Tuesday’s derailments is a key focus of ongoing inquiries.
Public Reaction and Calls for Action
Local residents and commuters have expressed shock and concern over the frequency of rail accidents. Calls for improved safety measures and infrastructure upgrades are expected to grow as authorities work to prevent future incidents. The Spanish government has not yet announced any immediate policy changes in response to these recent tragedies.
International Attention on Spain’s Rail Safety
As Spain is home to one of Europe’s most extensive high-speed rail networks, these recent accidents have drawn international attention to the country’s rail safety standards. Comparisons are being made to other countries’ safety protocols, and experts are analyzing whether similar incidents could occur elsewhere.
Future of Spain’s Commuter Rail Network
The derailments have raised questions about the resilience of Spain’s commuter rail system, particularly in the face of extreme weather. Adif and other rail operators will likely face pressure to enhance their response systems and infrastructure to mitigate risks from both natural and mechanical causes.
Conclusion: A Nation in Mourning and Investigation
As Spain mourns the victims of this week’s rail tragedies, the focus now shifts to understanding the causes and preventing recurrence. The driver’s death in the Barcelona-area crash adds a personal tragedy to the growing list of victims, and the nation awaits the results of the investigations into both incidents. For now, commuters and rail workers alike are left grappling with the aftermath of these devastating events.
