Credited from: LATIMES
A commuter train derailed near Barcelona on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic death of the train's driver and injuring approximately 20 others. This incident occurred in the municipality of Gelida, after a retaining wall collapsed onto the track during heavy rain. Emergency services reported that at least 15 people required medical attention, with some in serious condition, prompting the dispatch of 20 ambulances and 38 firefighters to the site, as authorities assessed the extent of the injuries, including four seriously injured individuals, according to South China Morning Post, Los Angeles Times, and CBS News.
This accident comes only days after a high-speed train collision in Adamuz, Andalusia, where at least 42 people lost their lives, marking one of Spain's deadliest rail disasters in years. The timing has heightened the sense of national tragedy as Spain commenced three days of mourning for the victims of the earlier crash. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the site of the Andalusia collision, reflecting the profound public impact of these rail incidents, according to BBC, South China Morning Post, and Los Angeles Times.
Investigations have indicated that the crash was a direct result of adverse weather conditions, with authorities noting that the collapsed wall likely fell due to heavy rainfall affecting the region. The commuter rail network in Catalonia has often faced scrutiny over funding and maintenance issues, potentially exacerbating the risks associated with such incidents, which are not typical for the railway services, according to CBS News and Los Angeles Times.