Spain’s high-speed rail services were thrown into chaos due to a combination of cable thefts and technical issues, impacting travel for over 10,000 passengers and prompting an investigation by the national police.
Cable Theft Plagues Spain's High-Speed Rail, Stranding Thousands
Cable Theft Plagues Spain's High-Speed Rail, Stranding Thousands
A serious act of sabotage involving cable theft has disrupted train services in Spain, affecting thousands of commuters as authorities worked to restore operations.
On Sunday, Spain’s transport minister, Oscar Puente, characterized the incident as a “serious act of sabotage,” leading to significant disruptions on the rail line connecting Madrid and Seville. The chaos forced many travelers to find alternative means of transport as services were halted. In a statement on social media, Puente emphasized the gravity of the situation and confirmed that the Spanish national police were on the case.
In addition to the thefts, further complications arose when one train inadvertently caused a snag, disrupting the overhead power line, as explained by Álvaro Fernández Heredia, the president of Renfe—the national rail operator. This compounded an already challenging transport situation, made worse by a recent, unexplained electricity outage that had impacted services just days earlier.
By Monday morning, however, some progress had been made with around 70% of high-speed rail operations reportedly back on line, according to Puente. Efforts were ongoing to fully restore regular service by the afternoon, providing hope for the stranded travelers eager to resume their journeys.
As Spain continues to grapple with these transportation challenges, the investigation into the cable thefts remains a top priority for law enforcement. This developing story will be updated as new information becomes available.
In addition to the thefts, further complications arose when one train inadvertently caused a snag, disrupting the overhead power line, as explained by Álvaro Fernández Heredia, the president of Renfe—the national rail operator. This compounded an already challenging transport situation, made worse by a recent, unexplained electricity outage that had impacted services just days earlier.
By Monday morning, however, some progress had been made with around 70% of high-speed rail operations reportedly back on line, according to Puente. Efforts were ongoing to fully restore regular service by the afternoon, providing hope for the stranded travelers eager to resume their journeys.
As Spain continues to grapple with these transportation challenges, the investigation into the cable thefts remains a top priority for law enforcement. This developing story will be updated as new information becomes available.
