A fire broke out in the rear cab of an AVE high-speed train near Ricla, Zaragoza, Spain at approximately 16:05 on October 12, 2026. The train departed Madrid Puerta de Atocha station at 14:27 en route to Figueres. All 283 passengers aboard were evacuated safely with no injuries reported.
Renfe reported that service was suspended following the fire, affecting 33 trains and 12,979 passengers along the Madrid-Barcelona high-speed rail corridor. Eighteen trains were unable to depart from their origin stations, and fourteen were stranded at stations along the route during the disruption.
Rail Operations and Restrictions
Railway infrastructure manager Adif confirmed that firefighters completed
their work and infrastructure inspections authorized the gradual resumption of train movements by October 13, 2026. Train traffic remains restricted to a single track between Ricla and Plasencia de Jalón, Zaragoza province, while the affected train is removed. This single-track operation reduces line capacity and causes delays as opposing trains share one track. A temporary speed limit of 80 km/h is in effect in the impacted section.
Partial restoration of services began late on October 12, with train movements gradually increasing on October 13. The corridor served by multiple high-speed operators including Renfe, Ouigo, and iryo continues to experience delays
and restrictions due to ongoing single-track operation.
Renfe’s Response and Passenger Options
Renfe has reorganized some departures by coupling AVE trains together and adjusting timetables to maximize available capacity. By evening of October 12, Renfe expected all trains held at origin stations to resume running, despite some trains experiencing delays of more than two hours.
Renfe offers free ticket changes and refunds to passengers affected by cancellations or lengthy delays. Passengers traveling along the Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona route should allow extra time for journeys and monitor updates from their train operator.
