Cable Thefts Disrupt Train Services, Leaving Thousands Stranded in Spain

Over 10,000 passengers affected as transport authorities investigate serious sabotage of rail networks.

Thousands of travelers found themselves stranded on Spanish trains after a significant theft of copper cables halted high-speed services between Madrid and the Andalusia region. The incident, which Transport Minister Óscar Puente described as a "serious act of sabotage," prompted authorities to launch an investigation following the theft on Sunday, which occurred at five different sites near each other along the rail line.

By Monday morning, Puente announced that operations were being "fully restored," providing some relief to affected travelers. The disruption occurred just a week after major blackouts impacted Spain and Portugal, leaving many in a state of uncertainty regarding the reliability of rail services. "All of a sudden in the last two weeks - what is going on?" expressed Kevin, a tourist from the US, while waiting amid the chaos at Madrid's Atocha station.

The theft has impacted over 10,000 passengers seeking to travel between major cities such as Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and Granada, affecting at least 30 trains. The disruption coincided with a long holiday weekend in Madrid and the approaching Feria festival in Seville, a time when the city experiences a surge of visitors.

Transport Minister Puente reflected on the challenging circumstances faced by both commuters and staff throughout the night as they responded to the unprecedented situation. The theft involved cables located in areas only accessible by forest trails, a detail that may assist authorities in their pursuit of those responsible.

As service resumed gradually, Spain's national rail manager Adif confirmed that train operations were returning to normal by Monday afternoon. In a collaborative effort, the Spanish interior ministry indicated that the country's civil guard and police are working closely with Adif and other agencies to unravel the situation and identify the perpetrators. With copper prices soaring in recent years, incidents of cable theft from both train and telecommunications networks have become increasingly common.