Train Derails in Gelida: 20 Injured, 5 Critical

A dramatic train derailment near Gelida has resulted in significant injuries and a major emergency response. The incident occurred when a wall collapsed onto the tracks, causing the train to leave the rails.

Initial reports indicate 20 people were injured in the accident, with five of those injuries classified as serious. Emergency crews are currently on the scene working to rescue the trapped train operator.

The accident unfolded on the R-4 line of the Rodalies network, specifically between the towns of Gelida and Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. The derailment was triggered by the sudden collapse of a wall that had fallen directly onto the railway tracks.

According to initial information, the collision with the fallen structure caused the train to leave the rails. The timing of the incident, occurring during the night, complicated the immediate response efforts.

The severity of the situation was compounded by the condition of the train's operator:

• The train driver became trapped inside the locomotive's cabin
• Rescue operations required specialized equipment
• The structural integrity of the train was compromised

First responders arrived quickly at the scene to assess the damage and provide medical assistance. The Bombers de la Generalitat (Firefighters of Catalonia) were among the primary emergency services deployed to the location.

Firefighters immediately began the complex task of extricating the trapped driver from the train's cabin. This operation required careful work to ensure the safety of both the rescue team and the injured operator.

Medical personnel treated the injured passengers at the scene before transporting them to nearby hospitals. The five individuals reported in critical condition received priority attention from emergency medical teams.

The derailment occurred during what appears to have been severe weather conditions, as indicated by references to a temporal (storm) in the initial reports. Weather conditions likely contributed to the structural failure of the wall that ultimately caused the accident.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of railway infrastructure to external factors, particularly during extreme weather events. The collapse of the wall onto the tracks represents a significant infrastructure failure.

The initial balance of the incident shows 20 injured, five of them in grave condition.

The location between two towns suggests this was a commuter route, potentially carrying passengers traveling for work or other daily activities when the accident occurred.

As the initial emergency response continues, the focus remains on the rescue of the trapped train operator. The extrication process is being handled with extreme care to prevent further injury.

The incident has caused significant disruption to the Rodalies R-4 line service, with operations likely suspended between the affected stations. Commuters in the area will need to seek alternative transportation while the scene is secured and cleared.

Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances that led to the wall's collapse and the subsequent derailment. The structural integrity of the railway infrastructure in the area will likely undergo review following this incident.

The Gelida train derailment represents a serious transportation accident with significant human impact. As emergency operations continue, the primary concern remains the health and safety of all injured passengers and crew.

Recovery efforts will involve not only medical treatment for the injured but also a thorough investigation into the infrastructure failure that caused the accident. The findings from this investigation will be crucial for preventing similar incidents in the future.

Updates on the condition of the injured and the status of the rescue operation are expected as more information becomes available from emergency services.