A fire near the AVE tracks in Córdoba has forced the power to be cut, leaving 52 passengers on a Madrid-Málaga train without air conditioning for over two hours, with temperatures at 36 degrees.
A fire declared this afternoon near the AVE tracks in the El Montón de la Tierra area of Córdoba forced Adif to cut the electricity, leaving a train bound for Málaga that had departed from Madrid at 16:30 stranded. Passengers were without air conditioning for more than two hours during a heatwave, with 36 degrees outside.
The hell at Córdoba station
The train driver informed passengers that the train had to stop at the Julio Anguita station because firefighters were working very close to the tracks. “They haven’t given us a specific delay; both the firefighters and Civil Protection have to authorise our passage,” he explained over the intercom.
A passenger on board told this newspaper that “people were very nervous”. As soon as the doors opened, some got off to smoke, but the worst was the heat: “It’s 36º, we’re in July and in Córdoba”, she lamented. The train's batteries were turned off to save energy, leaving the air conditioning out of service.
No forecast for departure and missed connections
The chaos began even before leaving Madrid. That morning, Renfe had warned passengers that the train would be replaced by another, so the seats might not match. But the fire worsened the situation. 52 passengers had connections with other trains, and the conductor warned them: “Forget it because you’re not going to make it.” The operator announced that buses would be provided for those heading to San Roque, Ronda, and Algeciras, but the rest were left waiting.
Adif confirmed to the crew that “at eight they will start providing power”, but warned that this did not mean immediate departure: “They have to spray water to prevent the workers from getting electrocuted.” The conductors lacked updated information, and the desperate passengers recalled the incident in Adamuz.
The fire is extinguished, but the technicians do not appear
At around 20:05, the conductor announced that “the fire is extinguished”. However, the Adif specialists responsible for restoring power “are not at their posts and are uncontactable,” according to the passenger. The wait extended another 20 minutes until, finally, at 20:30, the driver started the train.
Renfe offered free water to the travellers, who were able to charge their phones once electricity was restored. Those with connections in Antequera to San Roque, Ronda, and Algeciras were transported by bus. 11 of the 52 passengers heading to Ronda received alternative service.
For residents of the Community of Madrid who frequently use the AVE, this incident highlights the fragility of the service during episodes of extreme heat. The next time they plan a trip to Andalusia, they might consider packing a fan in their luggage.
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