A series 529 (ex-2900) narrow-gauge DMU on the C-1 commuter service from Cartagena to Los Nietos was struck by a crane lorry near Abrevadero station. The lorry’s jib invaded the loading gauge, shattering several windows on the train’s side. The collision occurred around midday, with the exact circumstances under investigation by authorities.
Emergency services including Cartagena fire brigade, 061 ambulances, Guardia Civil, and Protección Civil responded swiftly, as coordinated by the Murcia 112 ECC. Six passengers aged 18 to 74—four men and two women—suffered contusions and anxiety attacks; all were evacuated with minor prognosis to Santa Lucía and Santa María del Rosell hospitals.
Such road-rail incursions remain all too frequent due to driver error, with the CIAF reporting 24 collisions in 2024 alone.
This crash marks the third rail mishap in Spain in under a week, following the Adamuz tragedy (43 dead) and the Gelida Rodalies R4 derailment (one fatality, multiple serious injuries). Services were suspended for over an hour while Renfe activated contingency bus replacements.