Spain Rail Strike Disrupts Services After 115 Deaths

Spanish train drivers went on strike over railway safety, calling for more investment in maintenance and the implementation of previously agreed safety measures. The walkout followed two fatal crashes on the Madrid-Seville line this year that killed a combined 115 people, and disrupted rail travel across the country. Renfe reported cancellations of about 40% of long- and medium-distance services, while roughly 90% of Madrid commuter trains and half of Barcelona’s local services were cancelled. The union says safety talks and working groups have stalled since April; the disruption also renewed scrutiny of the government’s handling of the rail network after the transport minister resigned.