--- title: "Freight Train Derails in Madrid: Service Suspended on Avila Line" description: "On Sunday around 3:48 AM, a Captrain freight train derailed in the Zarzalejo area of Madrid. Traffic on the Madrid-Avila line has been suspended, and the driver was hospitalized with a back injury." date: 2026-11-15T12:37:08.836Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/freight-train-derails-madrid-zarzalejo tags: [spain, train-derailment, renfe, madrid, railway-safety] author: "Roman V." publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Freight Train Derails in Madrid: Service Suspended on Avila Line ![Derailed freight train in Madrid with damaged cars on rural railway tracks](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/15/freight-train-derailment-sarsalejo/freight-train-derailment-sarsalejo-1.webp) ## Key Points - On Sunday around 3:48 AM, a Captrain freight train derailed in the Zarzalejo area (Community of Madrid); the driver was hospitalized with a back injury, condition not serious. - Renfe suspended traffic between Zarzalejo and Robledo de Chavela, delays on the Madrid-Avila line, alternative bus service organized. - The accident occurred two days before the November 17 railway strike, called after accidents in Adamuz and Urda that killed 115 people. - The Ministry of Transport set minimum service levels for the strike period: from 26% for freight transport to 75% for Cercanías during peak hours. On Sunday at around 3:48 AM, a freight train derailed in the Zarzalejo area (Community of Madrid). According to the emergency services of the Community of Madrid, the incident led to the suspension of traffic on the section and the hospitalization of the train driver. Railway sources informed the same service that the train belongs to the company Captrain. ### Condition of the Driver According to emergency services, the train driver complained of back pain. He was taken to Puerta de الحديد (Puerta de Hierro) Hospital, where his condition is not considered serious. Details regarding the nature of the injuries and the exact cause of the derailment were not disclosed at the time of publication. ### Passenger Restrictions Renfe announced on the social network X that train traffic has been suspended between Zarzalejo and Robledo de Chavela. The Media Distancia line connecting Madrid to Avila is experiencing delays. To serve passengers, the operator has organized alternative bus services between El Escorial and Robledo de Chavela. ### Incident Two Days Before Strike The accident occurred two days before a railway workers' strike scheduled for November 17. It was called by the Renfe general committee, which includes the unions Semaf, CCOO, UGT, SFF-CGT, SF-I, and ALFERRO. The unions are demanding improved railway safety levels following two major accidents — in Adamuz (Cordoba province), where 46 people died on January 18, and in Urda (Toledo), where 69 people died on October 28. A total of 115 people died in these two incidents. ### Cause of the Accident in Urda According to Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente, the accident in Urda was caused by a failure in the computer safety system: the system shut down over a 63-kilometer section, six trains stopped, but the dispatch center cleared a Renfe train to proceed, which crashed into a stationary Iryo train. These circumstances have intensified union demands to review safety protocols. ### Minimum Service Levels Due to the upcoming strike, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has established minimum service levels. For Cercanías commuter trains, it will be 75% during peak hours, for Media Distancia trains 65%, for Alta Velocidad and Larga Distancia 72%, and for freight transport 26% of the scheduled volume. The coincidence of the accident with the pre-strike period once again brings to the forefront the discussion about the state of infrastructure and safety systems on Spanish railways. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [В Испании с рельсов сошел грузовой поезд, остановлено движение в сторону Авилы](https://ru.euronews.com/2026/11/15/train-derail-in-spain) - Primary source: time and location of derailment, driver's condition, Captrain ownership, Renfe restrictions, November 17 strike, Adamuz and Urda accidents, minimum service levels. - [Названа причина смертельной железнодорожной аварии в Испании, которая унесла жизни более 60 ...](https://www.bfm.ru/news/622197) - Context: according to Transport Minister Oscar Puente, the Urda accident was caused by a failure of three safety system computers on a 63 km section; a Renfe train crashed into a stationary Iryo train. ## FAQ ### When and where did the accident happen? On Sunday at around 3:48 AM in the Zarzalejo area (Community of Madrid). ### Whose train derailed? According to railway sources, the train belongs to Captrain. ### What happened to the driver? He complained of back pain and was taken to Puerta de Hierro Hospital; his condition is not considered serious. ### How did the accident affect passengers? Traffic is suspended between Zarzalejo and Robledo de Chavela, with delays on the Madrid-Avila Media Distancia line; alternative bus service was organized between El Escorial and Robledo de Chavela. ### Why did railway workers call a strike? The Renfe general committee (Semaf, CCOO, UGT, SFF-CGT, SF-I, ALFERRO) demands increased safety following accidents in Adamuz (46 dead) and Urda (69 dead).