On January 20, 2026, a Rodalies de Catalunya commuter train derailed near Gelida, approximately 35 kilometers west of Barcelona. The train collided with a retaining wall that had succumbed to heavy rainfall, leading to catastrophic results. Local fire department inspector Claudi Gallardo reported that the train driver was killed and a total of 37 people sustained injuries, with five of those being in critical condition.

Emergency responses were swift, with around 20 ambulances and 38 fire brigade units deployed to the scene. All passengers were accounted for, and no one remained trapped in the wreckage. Those injured were evacuated to various hospitals, with some receiving immediate care on-site.

The crash marks another tragic event in Spain's railway history, occurring just two days after a high-speed train collision in Adamuz, which resulted in 42 fatalities. These incidents have exposed ongoing concerns about the reliability and safety of Spain's railway systems, especially the commuter lines, which have a history of underfunding and operational issues.

In light of the recent events, commuter services across the Rodalies network have been suspended as safety inspections are carried out. Both the government and railway operators have vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents thoroughly.

Authorities have set up a support center for the families of victims affected by the crashes, emphasizing the communal impact and the ongoing recovery efforts amid a rising death toll from the previous accident. As this situation unfolds, officials are under pressure to ensure the safety of rail services in Spain moving forward.