Spain Railway Safety Strike 2026: Nationwide Protests After 43 Die in Tragic Week

Spain's rail network is facing its biggest crisis in decades. After a series of three derailments left dozens dead and injured in a single week, the nation's largest train drivers' union has called for a massive walkout. It's a move that underscores a deep-seated fear: is Spain's high-speed infrastructure failing?

Spain Railway Safety Strike 2026: Unions Demand Accountability

The train operators' union, SEMAF, announced on Wednesday that they'll demand "criminal liability" from those responsible for railway safety. They've described the current state of the infrastructure as an "unacceptable deterioration." This comes after the deadliest crash in over ten years occurred in Cordoba last Sunday, claiming the lives of at least 43 people.

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Safety Bumps and Infrastructure Warning Signs

Following reports of "bumps" from drivers, the network operator ADIF has capped speeds at 160km/h (100mph) on parts of the Madrid-Barcelona line. Interestingly, the union had already warned about these flaws in August 2025, citing increased usage as a primary cause for track wear. While Transport Minister Oscar Puente is attempting to negotiate, commuters like Raluca Maria Pasca say they've felt the trains "shaking lately," fueling public distrust.