High-speed train breaks down inside tunnel in Spain after overhead wire failure

A high-speed train operated by Ouigo traveling from Murcia to Madrid was forced to stop inside a tunnel on Thursday after an incident involving the overhead power lines near Aranjuez, south of Madrid, according to local media reports.

The breakdown occurred just one day after the deadly train collision in Urda, Toledo, which left at least 69 people dead and around 200 injured.

Ouigo said the incident was caused by a snag involving the overhead catenary system, forcing the train to reduce speed before coming to a complete stop inside the tunnel.

Passengers were reportedly informed over the public address system that onboard comfort measures would be reduced to conserve energy. These measures included dimming the lights and switching off the air conditioning, while further announcements were reportedly limited.

The situation prompted uncertainty among passengers, some of whom described the atmosphere on social media as one of “tense calm.”

The train conductor reportedly reassured passengers that the train was securely immobilized and that no other trains were operating immediately ahead of or behind it. Reports also indicated that another train would stop on the adjacent track to allow passengers to transfer and continue their journey.

Incident follows deadly rail disaster

The breakdown came a day after the collision between a Renfe-operated AVE train and an Iryo high-speed train in Urda, Toledo, which killed at least 69 people and injured around 200, according to the latest figures cited in reports.

Investigators are examining possible technical failures in the railway safety system and potential human error at the central control center. The cause of the deadly collision has not yet been definitively established.

The two incidents have drawn renewed attention to railway safety in Spain, although no connection between them has been established.