Copper theft has disrupted a section of Spain’s high-speed rail system, stranding thousands of passengers and leaving some stuck on trains overnight.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated on social media platform X that thieves stole cables from four locations within a 10-kilometre area.
Due to high global copper prices, criminals can earn significant profits by selling the stolen metal.
Train services along the affected routes were halted on Sunday evening. By Monday morning, a few trains resumed service from Madrid to Toledo, but connections to southern cities like Seville and Malaga remained suspended, according to rail operator Adif.
Crowds of passengers were left waiting at Madrid’s Atocha station.
This disruption follows a similar event the previous week, when a blackout left hundreds of train passengers stranded.
One traveller in Seville recalled being caught in both incidents, including spending eight hours on a train during the blackout while trying to reach a medical appointment in Madrid.
In the latest case, nine trains were immobilized between stations, with many passengers spending the night aboard, according to reports from broadcaster TVE.
Adif, the state-owned rail infrastructure operator, reported that crews are working to replace the stolen cables and restore full service.
Spain’s high-speed rail network, which connects most major cities and supports the country’s green transportation goals, remains susceptible to cable theft due to its route through remote areas.
