Spain, Jan 21 : Two separate train derailments struck Spain’s northeastern region of Catalonia on Tuesday evening, killing a train driver and injuring at least 20 others, according to regional authorities.
The deadliest accident occurred on the R4 suburban line near the town of Gelida in Barcelona province, where a retaining wall alongside the tracks collapsed as a train was passing. The impact forced the train to derail and severely damaged the driver’s cab.
Catalan emergency services said several passengers were critically hurt. Gelida Mayor Lluis Valls told local media that four people were in very serious condition, six sustained serious injuries and the remaining victims suffered minor wounds.
“Within the tragedy, had the accident happened one kilometer closer to Barcelona, the consequences would have been far worse,” Valls said, noting that heavy rain had fallen throughout the day.
Gelida is located around 35–40 kilometers from central Barcelona, near one of Spain’s busiest rail corridors. Regional media outlets have reported higher injury figures than official estimates, raising concerns that the casualty toll could increase.
Following dozens of emergency calls, Catalonia’s civil protection agency activated the Ferrocat emergency plan. Emergency responders deployed 11 ambulances and multiple fire brigade units to the site. Preliminary assessments indicated that prolonged rainfall may have weakened the retaining wall, leading to its collapse.
Rail traffic on the affected section was suspended, and Spain’s national rail operator Renfe said alternative road transport was being arranged for stranded passengers. Authorities also announced that a command center would be established at a football field in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia to coordinate relief efforts.
A second derailment occurred in Girona province between the stations of Blanes and Macanet-Massanes. Spain’s state-owned rail infrastructure manager Adif said storm conditions caused rocks to fall onto the tracks, resulting in the loss of an axle and the subsequent derailment.
Renfe said 10 people were on board the second train and that no injuries were reported. Services on the RG1 line were temporarily suspended between Tordera and Macanet-Massanes, with delays expected as repair work continues.
Both incidents occurred as severe weather battered Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat) have issued storm warnings for the region from Saturday through Wednesday, with the Catalan coastline expected to bear the brunt.
The derailments come just two days after a deadly high-speed train crash near Adamuz in southern Spain that killed at least 42 people and injured more than 100. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced three days of official mourning following that tragedy.