A DERAILED train on the high-speed AVE network in Ciudad Real left around 400 passengers stranded this morning, but the transport board has confirmed that they were all able to continue on their journey by around lunchtime.
The train, which left Málaga at 08.40 and then Sevilla at 08.50, heading for Barcelona, came off the track as a result of damage to a wheel in carriage number eight when it was midway between Venta la Inés (Córdoba province) and Brazatortas (Ciudad Real province).
Passengers had to wait for another train to be brought in so they could disembark and carry on.
Meanwhile, the café offered free refreshments to everyone on board.
Nobody was hurt, but with the track in one direction blocked whilst engineers from rail boards ADIF and RENFE worked on the broken-down train, delays ensued as only one lane was in use.
Passengers were back on their journey by 13.40.
RENFE says they will be given a full refund on their tickets in accordance with the group's Voluntary Punctuality Commitment, put in place in response to European Union directives concerning improved train performances.
Normally, and in accordance with EU rules, passengers can apply for a refund up to three months after their journey, with a minimum of 24 hours after arriving at their destination.
