Spain’s Rail Network Faces Crisis After Deadly Train Collisions

Mon Feb 02 2026 15:24:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Two tragic accidents have raised serious safety concerns and shaken confidence in Spain's once-revered high-speed rail system, claiming 45 lives and revealing the urgent need for infrastructure investment.

In the wake of two horrific train collisions in Spain, which resulted in 45 deaths, the reputation of the country’s high-speed rail network is under scrutiny. Recent incidents emphasize longstanding safety concerns and a call for better maintenance and investment in rail infrastructure, raising questions about the ability to uphold the country's esteemed status as a rail superpower.

Since the high-speed line was built, 30-something years ago, we never had any problems, it worked perfectly and was fantastic, says Alberto Montavez Montes, a shop-owner opposite Córdoba city hall, where the Spanish and Andalusian flags have been hanging at half-mast.

Now, though things feel different: It's not that there's psychosis, but it does make you just a bit reluctant to get on a train, without a doubt. In just a few tragic days since two high-speed trains collided in this southern region of Spain, with the loss of 45 lives, it has felt that Spain's much-vaunted rail system has been thrown into a sudden, deep crisis.

Second only to China in scale, Spain has 3,900 km (2,400 miles) of high-speed (AVE) rail and until now its national network has been admired for its efficiency and safety. In 2009, then-US president Barack Obama singled out Spain for praise when he outlined a vision for the creation of a high-speed rail network across America. That reputation has been humbled this week.

Last Sunday, the back three carriages of a train run by private Italian operator Iryo derailed at high speed, along a straight stretch of track, into the path of an oncoming train run by national rail operator Renfe which bore the brunt of the crash. Two days later, a trainee driver was killed when a wall collapsed on to a suburban rail line near Barcelona after heavy rainfall.

Train drivers in Catalonia refused to work in the wake of the accident near Barcelona, demanding safety guarantees and contributing to two days without local rail services in the region. Separately, train drivers' union Semaf has called a nationwide strike for three days in February over what it has described as the constant deterioration of the rail network.

The same day another local train in Catalonia hit a rock, although nobody was injured. High-speed lines have had their speed limits temporarily reduced, due to safety concerns. Throughout the week, media have scrutinized delays and incidents affecting the rail system.

As figures show a sharp increase in maintenance spending on the rail system, various reports suggest Spain may not be investing enough compared to other European countries. The tragic events have escalated calls for a review of safety standards and systemic improvements to restore public confidence in Spain's railway.