Spain train crashes: Foreign Office issues new travel warning as 'major disruption' to rail services after fatal incidents

Two fatal train crashes in two days have rocked Spain and the tragedies have led to questions about safety on the country's railway system. The first crash involved a high-speed train in southern Spain that derailed on Sunday evening, colliding with another fast train, killing at least 43 people and injuring more than 150.

Then two days later a train driver was killed and at least 37 people injured after a commuter train derailed and crashed near Barcelona. According to local officials, the Rodalies train collided with a retaining wall which fell on to the track between Gelida and Sant Sadurní.

After the fatal incidents the Foreign Office has issued a new travel warning for Spain - which is a popular holiday destination amongst Brits. The new warning is under ‘Travel disruption’.

The warning for Catalonia reads: “Following incidents on the Catalan Rodalies (cercanías) rail network on 20 January, expect major disruption on all Rodalies services. Check routes before travelling.”

The warning for Andalusia says: “On 18 January, two high‑speed trains collided near Adamuz, in the province of Córdoba in Andalusia, southern Spain. Significant disruption to rail services between Madrid and Andalusia is expected, with all high‑speed services between Madrid and Córdoba, Seville, Málaga, Granada and Huelva suspended.

“Services between Madrid and Cádiz, Algeciras and Granada will also be affected.” It adds that if you need assistance or information about affected passengers, you can contact:

• ADIF: (+34) 900 10 10 20 @Adif_es
• IRYO: (+34) 900 00 14 02 @iryo_eu
• Emergency services (112 EMA): From inside Andalusia: 061; from outside Andalusia: (+34) 953 00 11 49

If you are a British national and you or a family member have been affected by this accident and require consular support, call the nearest British Embassy or Consulate on 0034 91 714 6300.