Barcelona commuter rail crash disrupts service days after deadly Spanish train collision

GELIDA, Spain (AP) — Commuter rail service in Spain’s northeastern region of Catalonia was suspended Wednesday after a Barcelona commuter train crashed the night before, Spanish authorities said.

At least one person died in the accident in the Barcelona area and 37 others were injured as crews worked overnight to carry out rescue operations. The train hit a retaining wall which fell onto the tracks.

Meanwhile, rescuers were still searching for other victims in the rubble of Sunday’s fatal high-speed crash in southern Spain that killed at least 42 people and occurred about 800 kilometers (497 miles) away. Three days of national mourning were underway.

Catalonia’s emergency services said that among the 37 people affected by Tuesday evening’s accident, five were seriously injured. Six others were in less serious condition. Regional firefighters said most of the injured were on board the first carriage and that they had evacuated all passengers from the damaged train.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the accident in the Barcelona region, writing on X on Tuesday evening: “All my affection and solidarity with the victims and their families.”

While Spain’s high-speed rail network generally works well and has been a source of confidence at least until Sunday, the commuter rail service is plagued by reliability problems. However, accidents causing injury or death are not common in these two countries.

The commuter train crashed near the town of Gelida, located about 37 kilometers (23 miles) from Barcelona.

Spanish rail operator ADIF said the containment wall likely collapsed due to heavy rains that swept across Spain’s northeastern region this week.

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Naishadham reported from Madrid.