Train drivers are expected to go on strike following fatal derailments in Cordoba and Barcelona.
The Spanish train drivers’ union, Semaf, has called a walkout in the sector to demand guarantees for the safety and reliability of the network.
At least three train drivers have been killed in the tragic accidents in Adamuz (Cordoba) and Gelida (Barcelona) in recent days.
In the former, which occurred on Sunday evening, at least 42 people perished when an Iryo service derailed and collided with a Renfe Alvia train.
Semaf announced in a statement that it will demand criminal accountability from those responsible for ensuring the safety of the railway infrastructure.
It added the service in Catalonia must not be reopened without sufficient safety guarantees for operation.
The union also recommended that any drivers who are unable to work due to the emotional toll of recent events inform their supervisors.
Semaf said: ‘Tonight we received the tragic news of the death of another colleague. Likewise, other colleagues and passengers have been injured, to varying degrees.
‘The severe weather has caused several accidents, including two derailments: one in Maçanet, when a rock fell onto the track and was struck by the train, with no consequences for those on board; the second, and more serious, in Gelida, when a retaining wall collapsed onto the track and was hit by the passing train, causing fatalities and injuries.
‘All members of SEMAF are devastated and consider this ongoing deterioration of the railway system unacceptable. Different measures must be urgently implemented across our network to guarantee the safety of professionals and passengers.
‘As soon as this organisation became aware of the derailments, it carried out the necessary actions to halt all train traffic operating within the Rodalies network. Unfortunately, in the course of these actions, we learned of the death of our colleague.
‘As INITIAL measures to address the situation of the state railway network, in which two serious accidents with multiple fatalities – including three train drivers – have occurred within 48 hours, SEMAF will:
• Call a general strike across the entire sector to provide legal backing and protection for the mobilisations of workers and passengers, in order to demand that the safety and reliability of the network be guaranteed.
• Demand criminal liability for those responsible for ensuring safety in the railway infrastructure.
• Ensure that the resumption of services in Catalonia does not take place without sufficient safety guarantees for operations.
• Request that the same procedures applied in Catalonia during adverse meteorological conditions be implemented across the entire network in similar situations.
• At the start of service, train drivers from all railway companies will require confirmation from the control centre that safety along the route to be travelled is guaranteed. Where such guarantees are not available, train operations will be adapted to the actual operating conditions of the infrastructure.
• Due to the emotional strain caused by these events, we recommend that those who are not in a position to provide service (in compliance with Order FOM 2872/2010) inform their supervisors accordingly.
‘We will continue working and will keep you informed of all actions.
