On Sunday, May 4, 2025, a significant disruption occurred in Spain's high-speed rail service, affecting at least 10,700 travelers and 30 trains. The chaos stemmed from a cable theft in the province of Toledo and a subsequent incident involving an Iryo train, which caused substantial delays in the critical Madrid-Seville route.
The trouble began when cable thefts were reported at four different locations within a 10-kilometer radius, specifically around the towns of Los Yébenes and Manzaneque. Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, described the situation as a "serious act of sabotage," emphasizing the importance of the stolen cables for the safety systems of the railway.
According to Puente, the cable theft was detected at approximately 5:44 PM on Sunday, leading to initial delays of around 60 minutes. This theft, which involved around 150 meters of cable, was not only economically insignificant—valued at about 1,000 euros—but also posed a severe operational risk by impairing the train's ability to detect obstacles on the tracks.
As a result of the theft, train services were severely hampered. By early Monday, May 5, the situation had not improved, leading to the suspension of train operations between Madrid and Andalusia until 9:30 AM. The delays were compounded by the Iryo train incident, where a train became entangled with the overhead catenary system, further complicating the resumption of services.
In an interview with Onda Cero, Puente noted that the theft required a coordinated effort, as the thieves would have needed knowledge of the railway infrastructure and the location of the cables. "This is a coordinated action that leaves the railway blind to the position of trains," he stated.
By 8:45 AM on Monday, circulation between Madrid and Toledo was restored, and by 9:30 AM, services to Andalusia resumed. Travelers were advised not to arrive at Atocha station before 8:00 AM to avoid overcrowding, as many trains were still delayed or canceled.
Renfe, the national railway operator, faced significant backlash from passengers who were left stranded or delayed for hours. The company made arrangements for special trains and provided information to affected travelers, while also reserving hotel accommodations for those in need.
"We are intensifying our attention to travelers by reinforcing information teams and distributing food and beverages," Renfe announced. They also stated that they were preparing special trains to accommodate those whose journeys had been disrupted.
The chaos did not only affect travelers; it also had repercussions in governmental proceedings. The Senate's investigation commission on the management of the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS) was suspended due to the delays, further highlighting the extensive impact of the railway disruption.
In response to the incident, various political figures expressed their concerns. Juanma Moreno, President of the Junta de Andalucía, called for the government to provide alternatives for affected passengers and prioritize resolving the situation, especially given the timing of the disruption coinciding with the festive Feria de Sevilla.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the Popular Party, criticized the government's handling of the situation, stating that the images of travelers trapped without basic necessities were unacceptable for a country like Spain. "The people do not deserve to pay higher taxes for worse services," he remarked in a message on social media.
As the situation unfolded, passengers shared their experiences, with some, like comedian César Cadaval, trying to find humor amid the chaos. He documented his 14-hour ordeal on social media, bringing a light-hearted perspective to a frustrating experience.
As investigations into the cable theft continue, the Civil Guard is working closely with Renfe and Adif, the railway infrastructure manager, to identify those responsible. Puente has urged anyone with information about the theft to come forward, reiterating the seriousness of the situation and the need for public cooperation.
Despite the challenges, Minister Puente assured the public that the railway system is equipped to handle the volume of traffic, emphasizing that such incidents, while disruptive, are not indicative of a larger systemic failure. He stated, "The infrastructures are prepared for the traffic they currently handle, but incidents of this magnitude have a far-reaching impact on the number of affected passengers."
By midday on Monday, it was reported that 70% of train services had been restored, with full operations expected to resume by the afternoon. The swift response from railway authorities aimed to minimize the disruption and restore normalcy for the thousands of travelers eager to reach their destinations.
In conclusion, the cable theft incident highlights vulnerabilities in the railway infrastructure and raises questions about security measures in place to protect vital components of the transport system. As authorities work to resolve the aftermath of this sabotage, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety and reliability of Spain's high-speed rail services.
