Fire on AVE train interrupts service between Madrid and Barcelona

A fire broke out on an AVE train leaving Madrid Puerta de Atocha for Figueres on Monday at 2:27 PM. The incident occurred at 4:05 PM in the town of Ricla, Zaragoza, causing service disruptions on the route between Madrid and Barcelona, according to Renfe.

The 283 passengers aboard the train were evacuated, and it was reported that a woman required medical assistance due to dizziness, though there were no serious injuries. The situation significantly impacted rail traffic, affecting nearly 13,000 travelers and a total of 33 trains on the High-Speed line.

After the fire, train service was partially restored, but delays and alterations were still reported for other high-speed trains on the Madrid to Barcelona route. Renfe indicated that delays could occur for the departures and arrivals of some trains.

According to reports, the fire originated at the rear of the Renfe unit, and although the situation was brought under control, the train remains on the tracks in Ricla, which continues to cause complications in the rail network.

Authorities have implemented changes and cancellations at no cost for the travelers affected by the incident. Measures have been put in place to mitigate the impact of the event on AVE passenger mobility between Madrid and Barcelona.

This incident has highlighted that, despite the partial restoration of service, the consequences of the fire on the train underscore the fragility of high-speed traffic during emergencies.