Spanish Train Drivers Plan Strike Amid Deadly Derailment Concerns

Train Crash in Spain Sparks Nationwide Strike Call

A major train crash in southern Spain has resulted in at least 43 deaths and dozens of injuries, prompting a nationwide strike call from the country’s largest train drivers’ union. SEMAF announced on Wednesday that it would be demanding criminal liability from those responsible for ensuring safety in the railway infrastructure.

The union stated that the situation with the railway is “unacceptable.” The strike call comes after three derailments occurred this week, including a collision between two high-speed trains in Cordoba on Sunday, which killed at least 43 people. A separate incident on Tuesday resulted in a driver’s death and 37 injuries when a commuter train hit a retaining wall that fell onto the tracks.

Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente stated that the government will engage in talks with SEMAF to try to avoid the strike. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Spain’s rail network, prompting criticism from opposition lawmakers and commuters.

Regional officials reported finding additional victims in the wreckage from Sunday’s high-speed crash, bringing the total number of fatalities to at least 43. Thirty-seven people remained hospitalized on Wednesday morning, while 86 were treated and discharged. ADIF has imposed temporary speed limits on parts of the high-speed line between Madrid and Barcelona following reports of bumps.

In August, SEMAF sent a letter to ADIF requesting an investigation into flaws on train lines due to increased usage and recommending reduced speeds at certain points until tracks were fully repaired. The recommendations applied to high-speed train lines, including the one where Sunday’s crash occurred.

Source: Al Jazeera