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Spain’s rail network under scrutiny after second deadly crash in three days
Trainee driver killed in accident near Barcelona just days after 43 died in collision between two high-speed trains
TL;DR
- A commuter train derailed near Barcelona, killing one and injuring 41, after a retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks.
- This incident followed a high-speed train collision near Cordoba that killed 43 people and injured 152.
- Spain's train drivers union, Semaf, announced plans for an indefinite strike to demand improved safety and criminal liability for those responsible.
- The driver of the high-speed train involved in the Cordoba collision had warned of an issue with the train's operating system moments before the crash.
- The accidents have highlighted concerns about both the high-speed AVE network and underfunded regional services.
- Opposition parties, including the Popular party and Vox, have criticized the government's handling of rail safety.
- Despite recent incidents, EU statistics indicate Spain's rail network is one of Europe's safest.