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Date Published: 21/10/2024

19 AVE trains, including Valencia and Murcia, suspended due to derailment in Madrid tunnel

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Around 17,000 passengers were affected by weekend chaos after a network collapse due to safety incidents in Madrid’s Atocha and Chamartín stations

19 AVE trains, including Valencia and Murcia, suspended due to derailment in Madrid tunnel

An unexpected series of incidents, including the derailment of a train and an unauthorised person on the upper walkway at Atocha station, led to the suspension of 19 AVE services over the weekend. This disruption affected passengers travelling between Madrid, Valencia and Murcia, causing chaos and long delays for approximately 17,000 people.

The initial problem arose when an unauthorised individual was discovered on the upper walkway at Madrid’s Atocha station, forcing rail traffic to be halted as a precautionary measure.

Compounding the situation, the derailment of another train between Atocha and Chamartín further complicated the smooth operation of the high-speed network. The combined impact of these incidents caused a collapse in the service, disrupting the usually reliable AVE network.

Passengers endured hours of waiting in crowded conditions, with complaints emerging about the lack of effective communication from the railway company, Renfe. Many travellers were left stranded without sufficient seating or clear information about the evolving situation, heightening frustrations over the course of the weekend.

Renfe has since confirmed that 19 trains were cancelled, including 18 services between Madrid and the Valencian Community, and one service between Murcia and Chamartín.

Although trains departing from Madrid Puerta de Atocha station have gradually resumed operations, online ticket sales between Madrid and the Levante region remained suspended this Monday October 21, with services expected to return to normal later in the day. The atmosphere at stations in Atocha, Valencia and Murcia has returned to relative calm, with most trains departing on time or with slight delays.

In response to the widespread disruption, Renfe has promised full refunds for all affected passengers. Additionally, an extraordinary operations plan has been put into effect to assist those impacted by the cancellations, with extra staff deployed at key locations to help manage the situation. A special seating plan has also been introduced to ensure easier relocation for displaced travellers.

Related story: Work on Cartagena AVE hoped to begin in 2027

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