Interrupted the high-speed train line between Madrid and Catalonia due to cable theft

The circulation of the high-speed line is interrupted this Monday between Madrid and Catalonia. An act of vandalism that occurred at dawn is causing delays and suspensions on the AVE, AVLO and Ouigo trains since 6:00, when the first journey was scheduled. Around 2:30 am, problems were detected in communications, signalling, energy remote control systems, falling object detectors and other security devices between L’Arboç and Figueres-Vilafant, as reported by Adif.

Technicians from the railway infrastructure manager have traveled to different points along the route and have detected various fiber optic cable cuts on the two tracks in a section of about 200 meters around kilometer point 545, between L’Arboç and La Pobla of Montornes. In total, according to initial estimates, some 600 meters of fiber optic and signaling cable. The Mossos d’Esquadra have arrested a 19-year-old youth related to the robbery in the municipality of Santa Oliva (Tarragona). The man has been surprised in an area of ​​tracks and has resisted arrest.

Adif is working to resolve the incident as soon as possible, the same sources have indicated. While the incident lasts, the trains of the Ouigo company plan to cover the Puerta de Atocha-Camp de Tarragona route, the infrastructure manager has indicated. AVLO and AVE have also resumed circulation between Madrid and Tarragona at 8:57. For their part, Renfe sources have indicated that travelers from Figueres and Girona to Barcelona have been directed to Cercanías trains, since road transport is not possible “due to the logistics of the coach companies.”

In addition, Renfe has reported that a special train has been set up for passengers on AVLO and AVE trains bound for Guadalajara, Calatayud, Zaragoza, Lérida and Camp de Tarragona. The railway company has asked passengers to contact the Madrid Puerta de Atocha station service center for more information.

Concern at Sants station

At 10:15, Sandra had to catch a train at Sants station in Barcelona to Castellón de la Plana and, once there, she had to take another. “I woke up with four emails of Renfe who said that, due to acts of vandalism, my train would not leave”, explains the user, who carries a backpack on her back. Marta is in a similar situation, with the only difference that she was traveling to go to work, and not to go on vacation. “My train to Madrid left at 6:45, but at 6:20 I received an email saying that it would leave later,” she says. She has asked a colleague to change her shift, but she has not responded. “I’ve been working for a week, and I just hope they don’t fire me,” says the young woman.

“We have been told that it is impossible to get there by road. We have looked at buses and they are full. Planes are very expensive, and there are no more BlaBlaCars”, explain María and Alejandro, two other users who have been affected by the delays at Sants station. On the information screens, all trains, both arrival and departure, show delays. Those responsible for security at the station have reported that circulation will be restored between 11:30 and 12:00.