In brief
A shocking incident of cable theft left thousands of travelers on Spain’s high-speed trains stranded, causing major disruptions and raising serious safety concerns.
On Sunday, thieves stole copper cables essential for train operations, affecting routes between Madrid and southern Spain's Andalusia region. Transport Minister Óscar Puente labeled the act a “serious act of sabotage” as services at five nearby locations were interrupted. Authorities began investigating the theft, which left many passengers stuck overnight with over 10,000 affected in cities like Madrid, Seville, Malaga, Valencia, and Granada. The chaos follows a recent blackout that also disrupted travel across Spain and Portugal. “Operations are now fully restored…after a very difficult night for commuters!” Puente announced. Copper thefts have surged recently due to rising prices, leading to an alarming trend impacting both transportation and telecommunications. As train services gradually normalize, officials are determined to locate those responsible for this disruptive crime.
