Copper cable theft has disrupted Spain’s high-speed rail services, stranding thousands of passengers and leaving some trapped overnight.
On Sunday evening, thieves stole signalling cables from five sites within a 10-kilometre radius near Toledo, affecting the Madrid–Seville line. Transport Minister Óscar Puente condemned the act as “serious sabotage,” noting the cables’ low monetary value but critical role in train safety.
The theft forced a halt to services between Madrid and southern cities like Seville and Malaga. Nine trains were immobilised between stations, with passengers enduring the night onboard without amenities. Madrid’s Atocha station saw significant overcrowding as travellers awaited updates.
Rail operator Adif is working to replace the stolen cables and restore full service.
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The incident follows a major power outage last week that affected Spain and Portugal, compounding public frustration.
Authorities are investigating the theft, which exploited the network’s vulnerability in sparsely populated areas. Spain’s high-speed rail system, a key component of its decarbonisation strategy, remains susceptible to such disruptions.
The opposition People’s Party has criticised the government’s handling of infrastructure security, calling for improved measures to prevent future incidents.