Summary
Spain has lowered the speed limit on part of a busy high-speed train route between Madrid and Barcelona due to a track fault. This speed reduction follows a recent deadly train crash and ongoing disruptions in local train services in Catalonia. The Spanish government and Transport Minister Óscar Puente are under scrutiny due to recent rail incidents.
Key Facts
- Spain reduced the speed limit on a high-speed rail line between Madrid and Barcelona because of a crack found in the tracks.
- The fault is located 110 km west of Barcelona, between Alcover and l'Espluga de Francolí.
- The speed limit for this track section is now 80 km/h instead of its usual 300 km/h.
- This reduction follows a recent deadly train collision in southern Spain that killed 45 people.
- Other parts of the Madrid-Barcelona route also had temporary speed limits due to reported vibrations but were later restored to normal speeds.
- Catalonia's local Rodalies rail service experienced severe disruptions, including a trainee driver's death and service suspensions.
- The Spanish government is investigating the cause of the disruptions and a recent crash; there is speculation about a cyberattack as a possible cause.
- Opposition leaders are calling for the resignation of Transport Minister Óscar Puente, alleging misleading statements following the accidents.
