Train services in northeastern Catalonia, Spain, were halted on Wednesday following a crash involving a Barcelona commuter train the previous night, as confirmed by Spanish authorities. The incident resulted in one fatality and 37 injuries, with rescue operations ongoing overnight. The train collided with a retaining wall that collapsed onto the tracks, authorities reported.
This tragedy occurred during a period of national mourning in Spain after a separate fatal train collision claimed the lives of at least 42 individuals in the southern part of the country on Sunday. Investigations are still underway to determine the cause of the earlier crash, which left dozens more wounded.
The victim of the Barcelona-area crash was identified as a trainee train driver, according to regional officials. Among the 37 individuals affected, five sustained severe injuries, while six others were in less critical condition, as reported by emergency services.
The suspension of commuter train operations on Wednesday morning resulted in significant traffic congestion on roads leading into Barcelona. Catalan regional authorities advised the public to limit unnecessary travel and encouraged companies to facilitate remote work arrangements during the disruptions.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences for the Barcelona crash, stating on X late Tuesday, “All my thoughts and support are with the victims and their families.”
While Spain’s high-speed rail network operates efficiently, the commuter rail service faces reliability challenges. Nonetheless, incidents causing harm or fatalities are uncommon in either rail system.
The commuter train accident occurred near Gelida, a town situated approximately 35 minutes outside Barcelona.
ADIF, Spain’s railway operator, indicated that the wall collapse was likely triggered by the heavy rainfall that affected the northeastern region. As a result, commuter train services along the line were canceled.
Rescue crews worked throughout the night to reach trapped passengers after a deadly high-speed train accident on a remote stretch of tracks near Adamuz, Spain.
Crews still searching
The nation continued to mourn the victims of the tragic train incident that occurred about 800 kilometers away on Sunday.
Fidel Saez, who lost his mother in the crash, shared that his brother, two children, and a nephew survived the ordeal. What was meant to be a trip to the capital to watch The Lion King turned into a harrowing experience on their way back.
“My brother has been taken off the ventilator. He mentioned it was a miracle that he survived. He had to help the children escape through a window,” Saez recounted on national television. “He also requested that I share our mother’s story, highlighting her kindness.”
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