Un incendio en un AVE interrumpe la línea Madrid-Barcelona y deja parados a alrededor de 10.000 viajeros

An electrical fire on a Renfe high-speed AVE train traveling between the Zaragozan towns of Ricla and Plasencia de Jalón caused a disruption to the Madrid-Barcelona line on Monday. The incident, occurring near the Pilar Bridge, did not result in any personal injuries but affected approximately 10,000 passengers. Renfe estimates between 4,500 and 5,000 travelers were delayed across various points of the line, while Iryo and Ouigo also reported around 4,500 affected passengers.

The incident involved the 14 trains stopped at Guadalajara, Calatayud, Zaragoza, and Lleida stations. The problem, occurring around 16:00, affected the entire line and multiple convoys from Iryo and Ouigo. A total of over 30 units were impacted, with 11 Renfe trains, 4 Iryo trains, and 2 Ouigo convoys directly affected. Renfe operates 21 of these trains, while Iryo has 4 and Ouigo 2.

The operator has not provided a timeline for the restoration, suggesting the outage could last the entire day and into the early hours. The public company is warning of significant delays and offering ticket changes. A road transport alternative was established between Zaragoza and Calatayud to help passengers continue their journeys via train from or to these Aragonese stations.

Iryo also opted for buses to cover the Calatayud-Zaragoza segment, allowing affected travelers to move forward without cost, while those who hadn't left the stations were given the option to change or cancel their tickets. Meanwhile, infrastructure manager Adif is monitoring the catenary at La Ricla, potentially restoring single-track operation with one train around 9 PM.

The location was described as "difficult to access" due to its position on a ramp. Images from the incident show the AVE engine engulfed in flames, emitting a thick plume of smoke. The train, destined for Figueres (Girona), left Madrid's Atocha station at 14:27 and was scheduled to complete its journey by 19:00. Passenger cars were not affected, but the power line was de-energized, and passengers were evacuated, with 283 people relocated to buses, except for one disabled individual who traveled by taxi.

Renfe has confirmed no injuries, stating the train and its equipment were in perfect working order. The cause of the fire, reported by the maître de machine, is yet to be determined. The affected train is part of the 100-series Siemens, the oldest in Renfe's fleet. The incident prompted the intervention of Zaragoza's provincial fire service, which shared images of the event.