On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, two separate train derailments in Catalonia, Spain, claimed the life of a driver and left at least 20 passengers injured, five seriously.
The first accident unfolded near Gelida in Barcelona province when a retaining wall alongside the tracks gave way beneath a passing passenger service. Local authorities believe heavy rains in recent days weakened the structure, causing a sudden collapse that derailed two carriages.
Hours later, in Girona province, a regional commuter train left the rails after storm-driven rockfall blocked the line. Fallen boulders struck the locomotive, forcing it off track and prompting a swift emergency response.
Regional government spokespeople and rail operators have launched joint investigations to determine the precise causes and identify any infrastructure vulnerabilities. Temporary bus services replaced trains on affected routes as crews cleared debris and reinforced retaining walls.
For travelers and daily commuters across Spain’s northeastern corridor, the incidents underscore the challenges of maintaining rail networks in mountainous terrain amid increasingly severe weather.
Safety experts note that Spain’s rail system, known for its high-speed connections, also relies on older regional lines that require ongoing investment. “Preventive maintenance and real-time monitoring can help detect weak points before disaster strikes,” says a transport analyst in Barcelona.
Authorities urge caution for anyone traveling through Catalonia, advising passengers to check service updates from Renfe and local transport agencies. Meanwhile, rail operators are reviewing storm protocols and infrastructure resilience to prevent future derailments.
Reference(s):
Two train accidents in northeastern Spain kill one, injure at least 20
cgtn.com
