On Thursday, an incident occurred on the railway line between Cartagena and Los Nietos in the Murcia region that could have ended much worse. Around noon, near the areas of Alumbres and La Esperanza, a truck with a crane working close to the tracks unexpectedly struck a train traveling along the narrow-gauge FEVE line. Six people were injured in the collision, all sustaining only minor injuries, but the situation caused significant panic among passengers and local residents.
Preliminary reports indicate that the crane was being used for electrification work at a private residence when its boom extended directly over the railway tracks. At that moment, a passenger train with 16 people on board was passing by. The crane struck one of the carriage windows, triggering panic and an immediate stop. Emergency services arrived within minutes to assist the injured and assess the scene.
Passenger reactions
The injured included four men and two women. Two experienced such severe stress that they needed medical attention for anxiety attacks. The others were taken to Cartagena’s Santa María del Rosell and Santa Lucía hospitals for examination and care. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt and there was no threat to life. Still, for many passengers, this day will be hard to forget — it’s not every day a train suddenly collides with heavy machinery in motion.
The panic in the carriage was entirely understandable: the impact shattered the glass, fragments flew through the compartment, some people screamed, others rushed for the exits. In situations like this, even the calmest people can lose their composure. Medical professionals note that such incidents often cause psychological trauma, even when physical injuries are minimal.
Authorities’ response
Regional authorities responded promptly. The president of Murcia, Fernando López Miras, immediately announced that the train had not derailed or overturned, and all passengers had been evacuated. The mayor of Cartagena, Noelia Arroyo, confirmed that no one was left on board after the incident. Local officials urged residents to remain calm and promised to thoroughly investigate the causes of the event.
The government’s delegate in Murcia, Francisco Lucas, expressed his support for the victims and wished them a speedy recovery. Rail service on the affected line was quickly restored: no track damage was found, and the train itself was towed to the nearby Alumbres station to clear the line for other trains.
Safety concerns
The incident has once again raised questions about railway safety in Spain, particularly on lines where construction or repair work is underway nearby. Although the crane truck was not affiliated with Renfe or Adif, its actions led to a dangerous situation. Violating safety regulations near railway tracks can have extremely serious consequences—far beyond material damage.
Local residents and passengers are demanding stricter oversight of such projects. As this incident has shown, even a minor mistake or inattention can lead to serious consequences. This time there were no casualties, but there is no room for complacency. Questions about how work is organized and the coordination between private contractors and railway services remain unresolved.
Impact and public sentiment
Train service on the Cartagena — Los Nietos line was restored almost immediately after the incident. However, passengers and local residents were left uneasy. Many are asking: how could something like this even happen? Why was machinery positioned so close to the tracks, and who was supposed to be monitoring the situation?
Such incidents are rare in Murcia, but each one sparks debate and prompts a review of safety standards. While authorities promise an investigation and new measures, passengers continue to rely on the railway, hoping these incidents won’t happen again. Yet, as experience shows, there are no guarantees.
