On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, two trains derailed in Catalonia, leaving one driver dead and at least 20 passengers injured—five of them seriously. The incidents occurred amid stormy weather that has been hitting Spain's northeastern coast this winter 🌧️.
The first derailment happened near Gelida, in Barcelona province, when a retaining wall alongside the tracks suddenly gave way as the train passed. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to assist passengers and clear debris from the line 🚧.
The second accident unfolded in Girona province, where heavy rains and strong winds dislodged rocks onto the railway, causing another train to derail. Fortunately, injuries were mostly minor, but the shock of two crashes in one day has raised concerns about rail infrastructure and extreme weather resilience ⚠️.
Local authorities have launched investigations into both accidents and are assessing the stability of embankments and barriers along key sections of the Catalan rail network. While rail travel remains one of the safest transport modes in Spain, this week's events highlight the importance of ongoing maintenance and weather monitoring.
Travelers are advised to check updates with regional train operators before planning trips in the affected areas. Stay tuned for more details as investigations continue.
Reference(s):
Two train accidents in northeastern Spain kill one, injure at least 20
cgtn.com
