Outrage is growing in Spain after four teenagers were caught placing large objects on a railway line in what authorities say could have caused a catastrophic derailment.
The incident unfolded in Elche (Alicante), where the minors allegedly dumped boulders, a metal manhole cover and even a supermarket trolley onto the tracks along the busy Alicante–Murcia line.
According to local authorities, the act was so serious it could have led to a train leaving the tracks, raising chilling parallels with the recent rail disaster in Andalucía that killed 46 people.
A disaster narrowly avoided
Technicians from ADIF and Renfe warned that the objects placed on the line could have caused major structural damage, rail fractures or a full derailment.
The stretch of track is used frequently by commuter trains carrying large numbers of passengers.
Police were alerted after reports of youths tampering with the railway. When officers arrived, they found the suspects on a nearby bridge who attempted to flee upon spotting patrols.
A coordinated response by the Policía Local de Elche led to all four being intercepted and the area secured.
One of the teenagers required medical attention after falling during the attempted escape.
Facing serious charges
The four minors were arrested and could now face charges related to crimes against public safety, one of the most serious offences in Spanish law when transport infrastructure is involved.
They were later released into the custody of their parents.
Authorities stressed that the swift police response prevented what could have become a major rail tragedy.
Anger after deadly crash
The incident has sparked widespread anger given the timing, coming just weeks after a devastating train crash in southern Spain left 46 people dead and more than 100 injured.
That disaster, currently under investigation, has already heightened concerns over rail safety across the country.
