Background on the Situation
The most significant train engineer union in Spain, SEMAF, announced a nationwide strike on Wednesday to demand safety guarantees for the profession. This decision comes after a series of fatal train derailments, including one that left at least 42 people dead and another claiming the life of a train engineer.
Recent Derailment Incidents
- On Tuesday, a commuter train derailed near Barcelona when a retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks during heavy rainfall, resulting in the death of the train conductor and serious injuries to four passengers.
- Another derailment in Barcelona’s regional network, caused by a falling rock onto the tracks during the same storm, did not result in any injuries.
Previous High-Speed Train Derailment
Just two days prior, a high-speed train derailment near Adamuz, Córdoba, resulted in a collision with another train, killing 42 people including the engineer of the opposing train. This incident occurred approximately 360 kilometers south of Madrid.
SEMAF’s Warnings and Actions
In August, SEMAF had warned Adif (the operator of Spain’s rail infrastructure) about the severe deterioration of the railway tracks in a letter obtained by Reuters. The union highlighted issues such as potholes, uneven tracks, and damaged overhead electrical lines causing frequent malfunctions and harming trains on several high-speed routes.
Post-Derailment Measures
Following the Adamuz derailment, rescue teams began dismantling the second carriage of the state-owned Renfe train to search for additional victims. Meanwhile, grúas were used to remove the rear carriages managed by private company Iryo from the accident site.
Adif implemented a new speed limit on the Madrid-Barcelona line after a train engineer reported the poor condition of the tracks over a 78-kilometer stretch. The maintenance team inspected the line during the night and identified four sections requiring repairs.
Impact on Travelers
The derailments have caused significant disruption for travelers, who are now seeking alternatives. Regional trains in Catalonia were suspended on Wednesday to allow vital track inspections following recent storms.
Renfe’s president, Álvaro Fernández Heredia, was photographed using a replacement bus service while traveling back from Adamuz to Madrid.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The primary concern is the deteriorating state of Spain’s rail infrastructure, which has led to multiple derailments and loss of life.
- Who is SEMAF? SEMAF is the most prominent train engineer union in Spain, advocating for improved safety conditions and maintenance of railway tracks.
- What actions have been taken by Adif? Adif has introduced new speed limits, ordered track inspections, and initiated repairs following warnings from SEMAF and recent derailments.
- How are travelers affected? Travel disruptions have led to the suspension of regional trains in Cataluña and increased reliance on alternative transportation methods like buses.
