Authorities are investigating a spate of copper cable thefts that led to significant train disruptions in Spain, stranding thousands of passengers during a busy travel period. Transport Minister Óscar Puente labeled the incident a "serious act of sabotage" as services were slowly restored.
Copper Cable Thefts Disrupt Spanish Train Services, Leaving Thousands Stranded
Copper Cable Thefts Disrupt Spanish Train Services, Leaving Thousands Stranded
A series of cable thefts grounded high-speed trains in Spain, affecting over 10,000 passengers and halting services from Madrid to southern regions.
Thousands of travelers faced an unexpected nightmare on Sunday night after a theft of copper cables caused a major disruption in Spain's high-speed rail services. This incident primarily affected routes connecting Madrid with various southern cities including Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and Granada, leaving more than 10,000 passengers stranded.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente described the theft as a "serious act of sabotage," noting that cables were stolen from five different locations within a close proximity on the high-speed line. The subsequent service halt occurred just one week following a significant blackout that similarly disrupted train travel in Spain and Portugal.
Many travelers, including U.S. tourist Kevin, expressed their frustration as they endured lengthy waits at Madrid's Atocha station. The chaos hit just before the festive Feria festival in Seville, which typically attracts a surge of visitors.
By Monday morning, officials reported that train operations were being "fully restored," following a challenging night for both affected commuters and railway staff. Puente reassured the public that despite the complexity of the situation, efforts were being made to ensure the safe return of services.
Spain's national rail manager, Adif, confirmed that services were gradually returning to normal by mid-afternoon. Meanwhile, the country's civil guard and police are actively investigating the incidents, collaborating with Adif and other organizations to identify the culprits behind the thefts. The rise in copper thefts has been attributed to soaring market prices, often impacting transport and telecommunications networks across Spain.
