A new incident has affected the high-speed train service connecting Malaga and Madrid. An AVLO train scheduled to depart from María Zambrano Station at 10:30 AM suffered a breakdown that forced passengers to disembark. After an initial wait, passengers boarded, but a second incident prevented departure and caused the air conditioning to shut down.
Passengers were subsequently informed they had to evacuate the train due to the malfunction. They were transferred to another train with less capacity, necessitating the relocation of some passengers. The train finally departed for Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes Station at 12:40 PM, according to Renfe sources.
This event adds to a series of recurring incidents in the rail service, affecting both long-distance and commuter lines, and leading to a general loss of punctuality for Renfe.
Furthermore, the medium-distance connection between Malaga and Seville has been temporarily suspended from June 30th to August 31st. Passengers will have to complete part of the journey by road from Antequera-Santa Ana Station due to infrastructure limitations on the tracks.
Renfe explained that this measure is due to "current infrastructure conditions and speed limitations." A bus service will be provided between Antequera and Malaga, including intermediate stops, though not at Álora and Las Mellizas, where commuter services will be used.
This road transport solution was previously implemented after a slope collapse in Álora that blocked the high-speed line, significantly extending travel times. Road connections have become a common emergency measure for Renfe when dealing with serious and prolonged incidents.
