The European transport workers are in mourning following a devastating week for the Spanish railway sector. Within just 48 hours, two separate accidents have claimed lives and left dozens injured, raising urgent questions about infrastructure safety and the need for sustained investment.
On Tuesday evening, a commuter train on the Rodalies de Catalunya network derailed near Gelida, outside Barcelona, after striking debris from a retaining wall that had collapsed onto the tracks. The tragic accident claimed the life of the train driver and left at least 37 passengers injured.
This second disaster comes while Spain is still in a state of national mourning following Sunday’s horrific high-speed collision in Adamuz, Córdoba. That incident, involving two trains, resulted in at least 42 fatalities and more than 100 injuries, making it one of the deadliest rail accidents in the country’s recent history.
Following the initial tragedy in Córdoba, the ETF sent a formal letter of solidarity to our Spanish affiliates. In the message, the ETF extended its deepest condolences to the victims and their families while calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the causes of the crash. The letter emphasised that the safety of both passengers and transport workers must always be the highest priority, and that the ETF stands firmly with Spanish unions in their defence of safe working conditions.
As the situation develops, the ETF is closely monitoring the investigations and remains in constant contact with our Spanish affiliates. We stand in total solidarity with the Spanish trade unions and fully support the actions they decide to take to ensure the safety and protection of railway workers and the public.
The back-to-back nature of these tragedies highlights a critical need for resources and infrastructure resilience.
“The ETF is in total shock to hear that within less than a week, Spain is confronted with a second fatal rail accident. Our deep condolences go to all those impacted, to the colleagues and families whose members passed away in this tragic event.
We reiterate the urgent need to deploy all necessary resources to render the sector safe and secure for our workers and for the rail users alike.
We stand in solidarity with our Spanish railway trade unions in their plea for more investment in the quality of jobs, working conditions, rail service and infrastructure. The ETF will do everything in its capacity to offer support throughout these tragic times.”
Gerhard Tauchner ETF Railways Chair