Train services on Rodalies R1 and RG1 lines between Santa Susanna, Barcelona, and Maçanet, Girona, resumed on Monday at 17:00. This followed an hour-long power cut caused by a fire near the railway tracks.
The incident prompted Protecció Civil to deactivate the pre-alert for its Ferrocat plan. This plan activates for railway emergencies across Catalonia.
The Catalan Fire Department (Bombers de la Generalitat) successfully extinguished the blaze. The fire primarily affected vegetation and some garden shed roofs close to the railway line.
Impact on Commuters and Coastal Travel
The R1 line connects Molins de Rei with Maçanet-Massanes, serving key coastal towns like Mataró and Blanes, and Barcelona city. The RG1 line runs from L'Hospitalet de Llobregat to Portbou, also passing through Maçanet-Massanes. These routes are critical for daily commuters travelling between the Maresme coast and Barcelona.
Thousands of residents rely on these Rodalies train services for work, education, and leisure. Tourists also frequently use these lines to access popular beach destinations along the Catalan coast. The hour-long disruption caused delays and inconvenience for many passengers.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Emergency services responded swiftly to the trackside fire. The decision to cut power to the overhead lines is a standard safety protocol in such situations. This prevents further hazards and allows firefighters to work safely near the tracks.
Protecció Civil confirmed the deactivation of the Ferrocat plan via a message on 'X', as reported by Europa Press. This confirmed the return to normal operations and removed any lingering public safety concerns related to the railway incident.
Authorities will likely review the incident to understand the fire's origin and prevent similar occurrences. The quick resolution highlights the coordinated efforts of emergency services in managing railway disruptions across Catalonia.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
