# Expert Urges Madrid-Seville Rail Suspension Over Outdated Safety Systems Civil engineer calls for line closure until legacy signaling technology is fully replaced. - **Source:** [Latest news RSS](https://feeds.ibtimes.co.uk/feeds/bhsz8.rss) - **Published:** 2026-10-30 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cb1a3d91-1d9d-4c5c-97fc-83da14fc508c ## Fatal Collision Near Urda On 28 October, a Renfe train struck a stationary Iryo service near Urda, Toledo, resulting in at least 69 deaths. This incident marks the second deadly disaster on the Madrid-Seville line this year, following a January collision near Adamuz that killed 46 people. Authorities have suspended high-speed services across the affected corridor. ## Legacy System Safety Concerns Civil engineer José María Goicolea advocates for a total line closure until the 1970s-era German LZB control system is fully phased out. While the European Rail Traffic Management System, or ERTMS, is intended to replace it, the transition has faced significant delays since the initial contract was awarded by Adif in September 2021. ## Investigation Into Technical Failures The independent accident investigation authority, AITAT, is currently analyzing a sequence of technical malfunctions and control-room communications. Preliminary evidence suggests the Renfe train was traveling between 160 and 200 km/h during the impact. Investigators are specifically examining why adequate safeguards failed to prevent the collision after a signalling error occurred. ## Human Error Versus Protocol Transport Minister Óscar Puente stated that a controller authorized the Renfe train to proceed despite the stationary Iryo service ahead. This instruction allegedly violated a protocol that limits speeds to 40 km/h during such failures. Rail workers' representatives argue that systemic safety failures and operational conditions must also be thoroughly scrutinized. ## Maintenance Spending Disparities Data indicates that Spain allocated 16% of its high-speed rail expenditure to maintenance and repairs between 2018 and 2022. In contrast, Italy, Germany, and France dedicated between 33% and 39% of their budgets to similar maintenance efforts. These figures have intensified public and political debate regarding the adequacy of current railway infrastructure investment. ## Operational Transport Disruptions Renfe has postponed its broader alternative transport plan, originally scheduled for 30 October, due to labor union requirements. The SEMAF union mandates 96 hours of notice for schedule changes, delaying the implementation of new transport schemes until at least 3 November. Consequently, passengers face ongoing uncertainty regarding travel options on the corridor. ## Survivor Advocacy and Pressure Survivors of previous rail disasters, including the 2013 Angrois derailment, are demanding stronger safety measures and increased investment. These individuals have publicly questioned how multiple fatal accidents could occur on the same line within a single year. Their advocacy highlights the growing pressure on government officials to prioritize long-term infrastructure safety upgrades. ## Future Regulatory Decisions Authorities have not yet committed to keeping the Madrid-Seville route closed until the ERTMS installation is completed. While recovery operations continue near Urda, the final cause of the collision remains under investigation. Future decisions regarding the line's reopening will depend on technical findings and the government's response to expert safety recommendations. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/spain-madrid-seville-rail-suspension-safety-system-1829128 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._