A series of copper cable thefts caused major travel disruptions in Spain, affecting over 10,000 passengers and leaving many stranded on trains. The Spanish government has initiated an investigation into this serious sabotage, which coincides with other recent power outages.
Copper Cable Thefts Disrupt Train Services Across Spain
Copper Cable Thefts Disrupt Train Services Across Spain
The theft of copper cables leads to significant train service disruption, stranding thousands and prompting investigations into a rise in such incidents.
Thousands of travelers were left stranded on trains overnight as high-speed services between Madrid and Andalusia ground to a halt due to the theft of copper cables. The incident, which Transport Minister Óscar Puente described as a "serious act of sabotage", took place at five locations near each other along the high-speed rail line, prompting immediate investigations. On Monday morning, amidst continued passenger distress, Puente reported that train operations were being "fully restored".
This disruption follows a nationwide blackout affecting Spain and Portugal just days prior, the cause of which remains unidentified. Over 10,000 passengers found themselves impacted by the cable theft, with many stuck on trains traveling between major cities like Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and Granada. This occurred just after a long holiday weekend in Madrid and on the cusp of the prominent week-long Feria festival in Seville, which draws in a high number of tourists.
Reflecting the chaos, one tourist from the US cited the recent frequency of travel disruptions, questioning the ongoing incidents at Madrid's Atocha station, where large crowds had formed. By Monday afternoon, Spain's national rail authority Adif reported that train services were returning to normal after a challenging night for both commuters and railway staff, who had to manage the situation under difficult circumstances.
The investigation continues, with the Spanish interior ministry revealing that civil guards and police are collaborating with Adif and related authorities to ascertain the circumstances of the thefts and identify those responsible. The rising price of copper in recent years has led to an uptick in such thefts from transportation and telecommunication networks, prompting increased scrutiny into security measures.
