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Spain’s Rail Crisis Deepens: Death Toll Climbs to 45 as New Cartagena Crash Reported

Investigators recovered two more bodies from the Andalusia wreck, intensifying pressure for rail safety guarantees.

Overview

  • Authorities said two additional victims were found in the Adamuz high‑speed collision wreckage, bringing fatalities to 45 and leaving more than 120 injured.
  • In Catalonia, a Rodalies train near Gelida struck a rain‑loosened retaining wall, killing a trainee driver and injuring 37, and the commuter network remained suspended for inspections after drivers declined to operate services.
  • On Thursday, a Cartagena commuter service collided with a construction crane, causing several minor injuries and briefly halting traffic on the line, according to Adif and regional officials.
  • Accident probes are focusing on potential faults at rail joints on the Andalusia line — including reported wear and a crack — with officials noting both trains were within speed limits and that human error and sabotage have been largely ruled out.
  • Train drivers’ union SEMAF called a nationwide strike for February 9–11 to demand safety measures, as the transport minister said the two major accidents were unrelated and pledged talks to avoid stoppages.