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Spain cuts Madrid-Seville high-speed speeds after LZB failure

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Spain has cut high-speed train speeds to 40 km/h on deteriorating sections.
Passenger traffic on the Madrid-Seville line fell over 30 % after the January Adamuz disaster.
The line still relies on the German LZB signalling system, pending EU-mandated ERTMS replacement by 2050.
Adif and the State must prioritise track maintenance before opening new high-speed lines.
Private operator Iryo runs on the LZB-dependent line using a technical workaround to read signals.

Summary

Transport minister Óscar Puente said centre let a Renfe train pass a red signal.
A computer malfunction disabled the LZB signalling system over a 63-km stretch at about 8:30 a.m.
The collision near Urda killed at least 68 people and injured over 100.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the site, declared three days of mourning and ordered investigation.
Train drivers’ union SEMAF announced a strike demanding more safety funding and upgrades.

History

On 3 June 1998 an ICE 1 train derailed near Eschede, Lower Saxony, after a fatigue-cracked wheel tyre fractured, killing 101 passengers. The crash exposed poor wheel-tyre design and inadequate inspection, prompting Deutsche Bahn to modify wheels, install break-away windows, and pay over $30 million in compensation. The incident led to stricter national rail safety regulations, with the Fraunhofer LBF overseeing revised wheel-testing procedures.

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On 3 June 1998 an ICE 1 train derailed near Eschede, Lower Saxony, after a fatigue-cracked wheel tyre fractured, killing 101 passengers. The crash exposed poor wheel-tyre design and inadequate inspection, prompting Deutsche Bahn to modify wheels, install break-away windows, and pay over $30 million in compensation. The incident led to stricter national rail safety regulations, with the Fraunhofer LBF overseeing revised wheel-testing procedures.

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