A 28-year-old train driver who was undergoing training has died after a retaining wall collapsed onto the track, causing a derailment near Barcelona, Spanish authorities say. Around 37 passengers were injured, including five in a serious condition and at least five with minor injuries, according to Catalonia’s Emergency Medical Service (SEM).
The incident ocurred at around 9pm on Tuesday between Sant Sadurní d’Anoia and Gelida after a large wall collapsed onto the tracks. The first carriage bore the brunt of the impact and was badly damaged, carrying most of the passengers who were affected, according to Claudi Gallardo, head of operations at the Generalitat Fire Service. Emergency services responded quickly, with eleven ambulances, fire crews, and around 15 police units sent to the scene. Of those injured, six suffered more serious injuries, while 26 were treated for minor wounds, according to Catalonia’s Emergency Medical Service (SEM).
This marks the second major train incident in Spain in just three days, following a catastrophic collision in Adamuz, Córdoba, on 18 January 2026. Two high-speed trains were involved: an Iryo service from Málaga to Madrid derailed on a straight section of track and crossed onto the opposite line, colliding with an oncoming Renfe Alvia train bound for Huelva. The death toll has now risen to 43, with 39 passengers remaining in hospital, 13 of them in intensive care, including one minor.
Second derailment in a matter of hours due to the storm
The second train derailment in Catalonia occurred just hours after an earlier incident, both linked to severe storm conditions. The first derailment happened on the R1 line between Maçanet Massanes and Tordera, when a Rodalies train struck a rock on the tracks. The second involved ten passengers, but thankfully no one was injured, Adif confirmed.
In response to the incidents, Adif has suspended all Rodalies services across Catalonia until thorough safety inspections are completed. Overnight, drivers and railway infrastructure teams carried out checks across the network using trains with only essential staff on board. The results will be assessed at a CECAT emergency meeting on Wednesday morning, with representatives from Renfe, Adif and the Directorate General of Transport in attendance.