Spain Experiences Fourth Train Crash In A Week

The fourth train crash in a week has shocked Spanish commuters as their infrastructure fails, and the typically safe mode of transport becomes an increasing hazard. Today, reports of a train crash in southern Spain have resulted in six people injured in Cartagena in the Murcia region.

Reports from the Spanish rail authorities have confirmed that the train was not derailed or overturned. The accident was caused by “the intrusion into the infrastructure gauge by a crane not belonging to the railway operation,” according to the rail operator Adif. However, little more information was given.

As the train moved along the line close to the coastal town of Cartagena, the crane arm swung over the track. It smashed through a number of passenger windows as the train moved past at speed. When it broke through the side of the train, four people were injured by debris. Thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt.

The train line was closed as the impact was inspected. Due to the train’s damage only being superficial and without derailment, the train was able to move down the line, and the track could be reopened shortly afterward. However, this is the fourth train crash in a week, and it has raised serious concerns.

The train accidents previously in the week were significantly more serious, with the first causing the deaths of 43 people. The second, only two days later, took the life of the driver and injured four passengers. As a result, the drivers’ union of Spain called a nationwide strike, demanding that safety procedures be changed.

The same day the strike was called, a third train accident occurred in the Catalonia region. Thankfully, this was significantly less severe, but still served to reinforce the strikes’ case for increased safety measures on the Spanish rail.

The fourth train accident in a week has left the country concerned for the safety of the frequently used public transport system. The high-speed service carries hundreds of thousands of people around the country every day. The increasing incident rate has shaken trust in the typically safe service.

The three-day strike by the drivers’ union is demanding maintenance of the lines and increased safety measures. According to the union, a warning had been given about the general wear and tear on the line at the site of the first, tragic train crash.

However, at present, the official cause of the first tragic train crash in Spain hasn’t been determined. The investigation is ongoing.