A commuter train derailed in Catalonia after a retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks due to heavy rain. The train driver was killed, and at least 30 people were injured. The accident occurred two days after the major train crash in Andalusia.
On Tuesday evening, a commuter train on the R4 line of the Rodalies network derailed near the town of Gelida, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona. A retaining wall collapsed onto the tracks due to heavy rainfall during the storm "Harry" and struck the train head-on. The regional rescue service reported that the fatality was the train driver. Reports on the number of injured vary: Catalonia's civil protection mentioned 37 injured, while other sources reported 20 or 15, including several seriously hurt.
At the scene, 20 ambulances, dozens of paramedics, and 38 fire units were deployed. The train was crowded during the evening rush hour, with many passengers standing. The storm brought winds up to 80 kilometers per hour and heavy precipitation, leading to a red alert in parts of Catalonia. Authorities warned against approaching coasts due to meter-high waves.
This incident occurred just two days after the catastrophe in Andalusia near Córdoba, where at least 42 people died. Earlier, another Rodalies train on the R2 line derailed near Blanes due to a landslide, with no injuries reported. In a separate event, a man was found dead in his car swept away by floods near Palau-Sator.
Authorities are investigating the causes but emphasize the extreme weather conditions as the trigger.
