Spain Faces Renewed Safety Concerns After Fourth Rail Incident in a Week

A commuter train striking a construction crane near the southeastern city of Cartagena on Thursday marked Spain’s fourth rail-related incident within a single week, intensifying public concern over the safety and resilience of the national railway network.

Emergency services in the Murcia region reported that four people sustained minor injuries when the train made contact with a crane that had intruded into the rail infrastructure zone. Rail operator Adif confirmed that the train did not derail and that services were temporarily halted before resuming early in the afternoon.

This latest event follows a series of more severe incidents earlier in the week. On Sunday, a high-speed collision in Adamuz, Andalusia, resulted in at least 43 fatalities and more than 150 injuries after two trains collided on adjacent tracks. Transport officials noted that the front section of one train absorbed the brunt of the impact, and investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing.

Two days later, a commuter train derailed near Barcelona when a containment wall collapsed onto the tracks during heavy rain, killing the driver and seriously injuring several passengers. A separate collision in Catalonia occurred the same day, though no injuries were reported.

Rail unions have since announced plans for a three-day nationwide strike beginning 9 February, citing the recent incidents as evidence of systemic safety concerns. The SEMAF train drivers’ union stated that the accidents in Adamuz and Gelida represent a “turning point” in demanding stronger safety measures and accountability within the rail system. Government officials, however, have urged caution, noting that investigations are still underway and that the incidents may not be directly connected.

The succession of accidents has prompted renewed scrutiny of Spain’s rail infrastructure, particularly in regions affected by severe weather and heavy rail traffic. While authorities continue to assess the causes of each incident, the week’s events have underscored the importance of maintaining robust safety protocols to protect passengers, rail workers, and communities that rely on the network for daily transport.