Overview

• A coordinated theft of copper signaling cables at four points near Toledo disrupted the Madrid–Seville high-speed rail line on May 4.
• ADIF crews began cable replacement efforts, with limited train services to Toledo resuming, while routes to Seville and Malaga remain suspended.
• Renfe advised passengers with early departures from Madrid to delay arrival to avoid overcrowding at Atocha station, which saw significant confusion and frustration.
• The incident follows a nationwide blackout last week that halted high-speed train operations, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
• Authorities are treating the theft as sabotage and are investigating both the cable theft and broader weaknesses in Spain's rail and power systems.