Tourist Train Flip at Cártama Tapas Festival Leaves 17 Injured

Mon Jun 15 2026 06:31:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A busy Spanish tapas event turns chaotic when a tourist train overturns, injuring people but leaving no serious injuries.

During the Ruta de la Tapa y el Cóctel in Cártama, a free tourist train flipped at a road crossing, injuring 17 people. The train carried around 30 passengers, including children, when the incident occurred. Emergency responders treated victims on scene and sent four – three children – to a nearby hospital. The train service is now suspended for the weekend while investigators probe the cause. The event connects local restaurants and bars, encouraging tasting and prizes for visitors.

What happened?

A tourist train that was part of Cártama’s free‑ride tapas festival flipped over on Santo Cristo road around 8:30 p.m. local time, injuring 17 people, most of whom were taken to the hospital by emergency responders. The incident happened when the train was turning at a crossing, and the cause is still unknown.

All injuries were minor

Local authorities say none of the 17 injured suffered serious wounds. Four people – including three children – were sent to a nearby hospital for assessment, while others received treatment on the scene.

The festival’s vibe

From June 10‑14 the Ruta de la Tapa y el Cóctel guides tourists to 30+ restaurants and bars around Cártama. Travelers hop on a red, city‑branded train, stop at each venue, collect stamps, and later enter a raffle for prizes.

Weekend service suspended

Because of safety concerns, organisers have paused the train service for the weekend while an investigation unfolds. The town, just 17 km from Málaga and 44 minutes from Marbella, is a popular stop for visitors exploring southern Spain.

Stay safe, explore smart

When navigating new towns, keep an eye on traffic rules, double-check that vehicles are safe before boarding, and follow local safety alerts to avoid accidents like the one in Cártama.