Spate of Accidents Plagues Spanish Railway System in One Week
Spain’s rail network has recently been struck by a series of severe safety incidents. Within a short span of five days, four consecutive accidents have occurred, highlighting systemic safety risks.
Accident Timeline and Details
January 22 (Thursday), Murcia Region: According to the railway infrastructure manager Adif, a commuter train collided with a construction crane that had encroached on the tracks near the port of Cartagena, causing minor injuries to four people. Although the consequences of this accident were relatively minor, it was the latest in a series of more serious events.
January 20 (Tuesday), Barcelona: A retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks due to heavy rain, causing a commuter train to derail. The accident resulted in the on-the-spot death of the train driver and four passengers being seriously injured.
January 20 (Tuesday), Catalonia Region: On the same day as the Barcelona accident, another separate train collision occurred in the region, further heightening public concern over railway safety.
- January 18 (Sunday), Adamuz: This was the most severe of the recent accidents. A train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and collided with a train coming from the opposite direction. The tragedy reportedly caused at least 43 deaths and over 150 injuries. The Minister of Transport described the impact on the front of the train as “devastating”.
Safety Concerns Trigger Nationwide Strike
In the face of consecutive fatal accidents, Spain’s largest train drivers’ union believes that the current working environment on the railways poses a serious safety threat and has decided to take industrial action in protest. The union has officially issued a notice calling on its members to hold a three-day nationwide strike starting from February 9, 2026.
The strike is expected to have a major impact on rail transport across Spain, including high-speed rail (AVE), medium and long-distance trains, and urban commuter services. Widespread cancellations and severe delays are likely. For travelers planning to travel by rail in Spain in the near future, this means facing both itinerary uncertainty and a dual test of travel safety.
