The theft of copper cables led to significant travel chaos in Spain, as over 10,000 passengers found themselves stranded. Authorities launched an investigation to address the sabotage incident, which occurred at multiple locations along the high-speed rail line.
Copper Cable Thefts Paralyze Spanish Train Services, Thousands Left Stranded
Copper Cable Thefts Paralyze Spanish Train Services, Thousands Left Stranded
In a major disruption, over 10,000 passengers were left stranded due to cable thefts affecting high-speed train services between Madrid and southern Spain.
Travel chaos erupted in Spain after the theft of copper cables halted high-speed trains connecting Madrid and the southern region of Andalusia, leaving thousands of passengers stranded on Sunday. Transport Minister Óscar Puente condemned the theft as a "serious act of sabotage," with investigations now underway. The incidents occurred across five locations, all in close proximity to one another along the rail line.
By Monday morning, Minister Puente reported that train operations were being "fully restored," alleviating the disruption that affected over 10,000 travelers between major cities like Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and Granada, with at least 30 trains impacted. The timing of the incident created further complications, as it followed a long weekend in Madrid and preceded the busy Feria festival in Seville, which typically sees a surge in tourist activity.
"All of a sudden in the last two weeks—what is going on?" voiced Kevin, a US tourist, as he awaited updates at Madrid's Atocha station amid the travel turmoil.
After a complicated night for commuters and railway staff, Spain's national rail operator, Adif, confirmed that services were gradually returning to normal. The Minister noted that the thefts were concentrated in areas that are accessible only via forest trails, prompting increased scrutiny from law enforcement.
In response to the incident, the Spanish interior ministry announced that the civil guard and police were coordinating with Adif and other relevant authorities to investigate the theft and apprehend those responsible. The recent surge in cable thefts across train and telecommunications networks correlates with the rising price of copper in multiple markets.
