Train Collision in Spain Injures Multiple People
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A train collision occurred this morning in Spain on the Cartagena-Los Nietos local line, in the Murcia region. The incident involved a collision between a local train and a construction crane near the town of Alumbre.
Details of the Incident
The collision happened around 12:00 PM local time when the Cartagena-Los Nietos line train impacted a crane belonging to an external construction site adjacent to the railway. Initial reports indicate that the crane was operating outside the railway’s right-of-way. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene promptly following the collision to provide assistance to passengers and assess the damage.
Injuries and Response
As of 1:30 PM local time, authorities reported that 31 people sustained injuries, with three individuals suffering serious injuries. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals,including the Hospital General Universitario santa Lucía and the Hospital Comarcal de Cartagena,for treatment. Renfe, the Spanish national railway operator, has initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident. Train service on the Cartagena-Los Nietos line has been suspended indefinitely while the investigation is underway and the wreckage is cleared.
Previous Incidents and Safety Concerns
This incident raises renewed concerns about railway safety in Spain. in August 2023, a high-speed train derailed in Galicia, injuring 85 people. That incident was attributed to a track defect. Renfe has faced scrutiny in the past regarding infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols. The current investigation will focus on determining whether safety regulations were followed by the construction company operating the crane and whether Renfe’s safety measures were adequate.
