A tourist train carrying revellers at a tapas festival in the southern Spanish town of Cártama overturned on Saturday evening, leaving 17 people injured, local authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 19:30 local time when the open-sided vehicle, popular in Spanish tourist destinations, overturned on a narrow road near the festival site.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, treating the injured for minor to moderate injuries. Four individuals were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening conditions, including fractures and lacerations. The remaining victims were treated at a field hospital set up for the festival.
Spanish rail safety has come under renewed scrutiny following the accident. The tourist train, a road-going vehicle designed to mimic a locomotive and carriages, is not subject to the same rigorous safety standards as conventional railways. Critics have long argued that these vehicles, often used in pedestrianised areas, pose risks to passengers and bystanders.
The Andalusian regional government has launched an investigation into the cause of the overturn, with initial reports suggesting a mechanical failure or driver error. The vehicle was operated by a local company contracted for the festival, which attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Spain has experienced several tourist train accidents in recent years, including a 2019 crash that killed one person and injured 30 in the eastern region of Valencia. These incidents have sparked calls for stricter regulations, though the industry remains largely self-regulated.
The Cártama municipality expressed regret over the accident and stated it would cooperate fully with the investigation. The festival resumed the following day with additional safety measures in place.
The injured included Spanish nationals and foreign tourists, though their nationalities have not been disclosed. The Ministry of Transport has been notified, and a full inquiry is expected within weeks.
The incident highlights broader concerns about safety standards for tourist transport in Spain, where a booming travel industry often prioritises spectacle over regulation.
