Seventeen people have been injured after a tourist train crashed during a tapas festival in the Spanish town of Cártama, authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when the open-air vehicle, popular with visitors, derailed on a crowded street.
Emergency services arrived quickly. Paramedics treated 12 people at the scene for minor injuries and cuts. Five others required hospital treatment, though none are believed to be in a critical condition. Local officials said the train was carrying mostly tourists at the time of the crash.
The festival, known for its local wines and small plates, was in full swing. Witnesses described chaos after the train veered off its tracks and struck a market stall. A British tourist said she heard screams and saw people thrown from the carriage. She called it a terrifying sight.
Police are investigating the cause. Early reports suggest a mechanical failure. The driver, who sustained minor injuries, is cooperating with investigators.
Cártama is a popular destination for day trippers from the Costa del Sol. Its tapas festival draws hundreds each year. The mayor expressed regret and promised a full inquiry.
For now, the injured are recovering. But questions remain about the safety of such tourist trains, which are a common sight in Spanish towns.
