The incident and its possible causes
The first mayor of Girona, Lluc Salellas, has stated that the fire that has affected a goods train that was transporting dangerous materials is the result of the fall of a catenary. However, this aspect is still under investigation.
Reaction to the fire
In his statements to the media, Salellas has indicated that the population has been constantly informed about the emergency situation, which has caused the stoppage of the R11 and RG1 services between Girona and Caldes de Malavella. On the other hand, a confinement has been imposed in the affected area, which is near the Mas Gri roundabout, in Girona.
Safety and prevention measures
Despite the fact that Civil Protection has lifted the Ferrocat pre-alert, the Generalitat Fire Department continues with the Transcat plan alert and have stayed in the area to ensure that there is no possible explosion in the liquefied gas tank it was transporting the train, which contained debris at the time of the accident.
The state of the fire and the work of the extinguishing bodies
Currently, the fire has not been completely controlled and the lack of electrical voltage prevents the circulation of three freight trains, as well as affecting the R11 and RG1 lines between Maçanet and Girona. For this reason, the extinguishing bodies are still on alert, adhering to the Transcat plan.
It mainly affects the liquefied gas tank
Eleven units of the Generalitat Fire Department are working to control the fire in the damaged train. According to Fire Department sources, the notification of the incident took place at 23:26 on Wednesday, which required the mobilization of 38 troops and 13 vehicles, including two specialized in chemical risk. In addition, the area was cordoned off while Civil Protection activated the alert to ensure the safety of the public.
Effective actions to manage the fire
The sub-inspector of the Fire Department of the Generalitat, in charge of operations, has highlighted that there is still product left in the cistern, and it is precisely this that is being burned. In his statements, he explained that the primary objective is to fill the cistern with water to lighten the waste that remains.
Impact on train traffic
Rail traffic on services R11 and RG1 has been interrupted between Girona and Caldes as a result of this fire, as announced by Rodalies de Catalunya in a recent statement.
Alternatives for affected journeys
After 11pm on Wednesday, an incident related to the electrification system, specifically the catenary and the pantograph, has postponed the transit of dangerous goods. Alternatives are being sought by road and travelers traveling from Barcelona, Girona and Figueres Vilafant will be diverted to high-speed trains.
Confinement of the population
Civil Protection reported, through its social networks, that the incident has kept the confinement measure active around the burning wagon. The recommendation is that, if any citizen is within the affected perimeter, close doors, windows and air conditioning systems to ensure their safety.