Train Collision in Spain Injures Dozens, Prompts Suspension of Regional Rail Service
GELIDA, Spain – One person died and at least 35 others were injured Tuesday afternoon when a regional train collided with debris that had fallen onto the tracks near Barcelona, Spain. The incident, which occurred between Gelida and Sant Sadurní on the R4 line, has prompted authorities to suspend all Rodalies commuter rail services until at least 9:30 a.m. Wednesday while track safety is assessed.
Initial reports indicate a retaining wall collapsed due to recent heavy rainfall, sending debris onto the railway line. The train was carrying 37 passengers at the time of the collision. Emergency responders worked to evacuate all passengers, with those in the front carriage sustaining the most serious injuries.
“The people who were traveling in the first car suffered the worst impact,” confirmed Claudi Gallardo, head of operations for the Catalan Fire Service (Bombers).
Emergency medical services dispatched 37 ambulances and 38 fire crews to the scene. Rescuers freed one person trapped within the wreckage. The injured were transported to hospitals in Moisès Broggi, Bellvitge, and Vilafranca. A family assistance center has been established at the Casablanca urbanization civic center in Subirats, with a dedicated information line available at 900 101 660.
The Catalan regional government has confirmed the suspension of all Rodalies trains following calls from train drivers for a complete halt to services “until further notice” after the derailments caused by the severe weather. According to Territorial Councillor Silvia Paneque, “white runs” – test journeys to assess track conditions – will be conducted overnight on all commuter lines.
A coordination center involving railway authorities will convene Wednesday morning, around 9:30 a.m., to analyze the results of these inspections. “The service will not be resumed until it is safe to do so,” Paneque emphasized. Reinforcements via road transport are being planned to mitigate disruption.
The incident is under judicial investigation, with a judge from the Vilafranca del Penedès court overseeing the collection of evidence and the recovery of the deceased.
The tragedy comes amid widespread disruption across Catalonia due to torrential rains. The Catalan Fire Service has responded to over 1,200 calls, particularly in the Girona province, where the downpours have led to school closures, road closures, river overflows, and hazardous sea conditions. Earlier Tuesday, a man died after his car was swept away by floodwaters.
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This accident highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events, a growing concern globally. According to the World Meteorological Organization, Europe has experienced a significant increase in extreme rainfall events in recent decades, linked to climate change. The economic impact of such events, including disruption to transport networks, is substantial.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his “affection and solidarity” with the victims, stating he was closely monitoring the situation. Opposition leader Albert Núñez Feijóo also offered his condolences and support to emergency services.
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Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area and follow the instructions of emergency personnel. The Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan police force, are assisting with emergency management and crowd control.
Beyond the Barcelona area, a separate incident occurred on the Rodalies line between Tordera and Maçanet-Massanes in Girona province, where a train derailed after hitting rocks on the track. Ten passengers were on board, but no injuries were reported.
