tech
January 21, 2026
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.
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