Cable Theft Disrupts Train Services for Over 10,000 Passengers in Spain

A coordinated cable theft targeting Spain’s high-speed rail network between Madrid and Seville caused significant disruption, stranding over 10,000 passengers and halting more than 30 trains. Spain’s Transport Minister, Óscar Puente, described the incident as a 'serious act of sabotage,' emphasizing that those responsible had a sophisticated understanding of the railway system. The stolen cables, mainly from the signaling system, caused widespread cancellations and delays, with some passengers forced to spend hours or even overnight on stalled trains. Compounding the chaos, a technical fault on one train damaged the overhead power line, further delaying the restoration of services. Authorities, including the Civil Guard and National Police, have launched an investigation, and by Monday morning, rail service was gradually resuming, though full normalcy was expected by the afternoon. Passengers criticized the lack of alternative arrangements and clear communication during the disruption.