Tourist train overturns during Cártama tapas festival, injuring 17 people
A small, red tourist train that had been carrying about 30 passengers overturned on Santo Cristo road in the southern Spanish town of Cártama just after 21:30 local time (20:30 BST) on Saturday evening. The accident was part of the Ruta de la Tapa y el Cóctel, a free tour that encourages visitors to sample food and drinks at local businesses and gather stamps for a raffle. More than 80 events were held between 10 and 14 June, and the train stopped at several restaurants and bars along its route.
Emergency crews arrived quickly and attended to those injured. Four passengers, including three children, were taken to a nearby hospital, but none suffered serious injuries, officials said. Photos shared on social media show people on the wagon and responders dealing with a child on the floor.
The route was suspended for the weekend while authorities investigate what caused the overturn. The exact cause remains unknown at this stage, with local officials noting that the train had been turning at the crossing when the crash occurred.
Cártama lies about 17 kilometres from the popular tourist destination of Málaga and 44 minutes by car from the affluent resort town of Marbella. The incident has sparked discussion about safety protocols for tourist attractions that involve inexpensive rides, especially in high‑traffic areas.
Image credit: Ayuntamiento Cártama
Authorities are reviewing both road and vehicle safety measures to ensure the event can resume safely when it is resumed. Though no fatalities were reported, the incident highlights the need for stringent safety checks for public rides during festivals.
