Iryo seeks safety review as Semaf calls November rail strikes

Iryo has asked Spain’s State Railway Safety Agency (AESF) to review rail safety protocols after the Urda collision and is working with Adif on further safety measures. The drivers’ union Semaf has called a full-day strike on 10 November and partial stoppages on 12 November.

The collision happened near Urda, in Toledo province, on 28 October. A Renfe AVE struck a stationary Iryo train; at least 69 people died.

Safety review after Urda

Iryo says the crash exposed weaknesses in how LZB failures are managed and how trains resume running, with a risk that two trains could occupy the same block. The company has written to the AESF in support of Semaf’s request to reassess the protocols. Iryo is also working with Adif on documents to strengthen safety.

Renfe has sent drivers instructions for degraded LZB conditions, including a 40 km/h limit under “marcha a la vista” and a check that the block is clear before moving again. The measures are still being prepared and are not definitive. Renfe describes them as guidance for its staff; Adif is responsible for regulating train movements. The government is preparing technical and regulatory measures for the high-speed network, with possible stronger procedures for all operators.

Semaf has urged drivers to take extra care until measures are implemented. The union says talks on safety and working conditions have made insufficient progress after repeated postponements.

Strike dates

Semaf plans a full-day stoppage on Tuesday 10 November, from 12.01am to 11.59pm. On Thursday 12 November, partial strikes are scheduled for 6.20am–9.20am, 2.20pm–5.20pm and 9.20pm–11.20pm. Renfe services could be disrupted on those days.

Sources: El Español; The Local Spain.