Significant Train Cancellations in Spain Following Saturday Derailment
Renfe, Spain's national railway operator, has announced widespread train cancellations affecting travel between Madrid, Valencia Community, and Murcia this Sunday. The disruptions stem from a serious incident involving a passengerless train that derailed in the high-speed tunnel linking Madrid's Puerta de Atocha and Chamartín stations.
The cancellations include a series of high-speed services departing from Madrid Chamartín: Trains 5280, 830, 5092, 900, 5120, 1230, 5162, 1600, 5160, 1630, 5182, 1800, 5180, 1830, 5192, and the Intercity 11910 at 1215 have all been canceled as reported by Renfe on the social media platform X.
Additionally, high-speed trains originating from the Valencia Community are also affected. The canceled services include trains 5273 at 724, 5131 at 1331, 5143 at 1434, 5371 at 1742, 5181 at 1831, 5193 at 1850, 5203 at 1945, and Alvia train 4343 at 1026, alongside the Intercity 11790 at 1913. An AVE train, number 5843, scheduled to depart from Murcia del Carmen at 1353 has also been suspended, according to the latest bulletin from InfoRenfe.
The chaos began on Saturday afternoon when a trailing unit of an empty train derailed during maneuvers in the tunnel. The derailment resulted in delays and significant crowding of passengers at the Atocha station. The situation escalated further when an individual entered a restricted area and threatened to jump from a walkway, prompting the activation of emergency protocols. This incident led to a complete power cut at the station around 1930 hours, which remained in effect until the individual was rescued at 2120 hours. Once the individual was safe, power was restored, allowing for a gradual return to regular train operations.
Moreover, several other trains were halted at the entrance of Atocha due to the situation, including an Alvia train to Alicante-Gijón, Avant services to Toledo and Puertollano, along with AVE connections to Figueres and Sevilla. Medium Distance and Commuter train services were also suspended at several earlier stops as part of the emergency measures taken.
As travelers are left stranded and services disrupted, Renfe has advised passengers to check for updates and alternatives. The company is working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible, although they caution that impacts may continue throughout the day.
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