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Driver Killed, 37 Hurt in Barcelona-Area Derailment, Spain’s Second Rail Disaster in Days

Officials attribute the crash to a rain‑triggered wall collapse, prompting broader inspections across the network.

Overview

  • The Rodalies R4 commuter train derailed near Gelida after striking debris from a collapsed retaining wall during heavy rains around 10 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said.
  • The driver was killed and 37 passengers were injured, including five in serious condition, six less serious and 26 with minor injuries, with all transferred to hospitals.
  • Emergency crews deployed 20 ambulances and 38 fire units, secured the area, stabilized the wall and train, evacuated passengers and completed searches of the carriages.
  • ADIF said the wall likely failed due to recent storms, suspended service on the affected section and ordered checks, including a temporary 160 kph limit on parts of the Madrid–Barcelona high‑speed line.
  • The incident comes two days after a high‑speed collision near Adamuz in Córdoba, where officials raised the death toll to 42 as probes focus on possible rail defects and weld issues.