Fire brigade arrives from Coin after neighbours rescue injured. Credit: CPB Malaga FB
Eighteen people were left injured on Saturday evening, June 13, when one carriage of a tourist train overturned in Cartama during the twelfth year of the Tapas and Cocktail Route. Nine of those hurt were minors ranging from five to seventeen years in age. Emergency crews confirmed no serious injuries after taking all the affected to Malaga hospitals.
Circumstances surrounding the overturn
Passengers experienced the carriage tipping over past half past nine in the evening while travelling through Cartama Pueblo as part of the free tourist train service linking different points of the gastronomic celebration with around thirty people on board, according to reports from the scene. Local authorities suspended all tourist train operations immediately following the event pending further checks.
Rapid response from local emergency services
Firefighters based in Coin attended the location rapidly and provided initial medical assistance while stabilising the overturned carriage to avoid even more risks. Firefighting teams from Alhaurin de la Torre also arrived but found no need for extra support after assessment. Local police, Guardia Civil officers and an ambulance from the emergency services reached the area shortly afterwards to manage the situation and transport the injured.
Accounts from those present at the scene
Local resident Marc Gomez said, “All the neighbours in the area rushed out to help, and by the time the police and medical services arrived, the situation was ‘half’ under control. Among those who helped out there were health personnel like my girlfriend, who is a nurse. Despite some wounds worse than others, I think the hardest thing has been the scare that everyone has had.”
Some nearly had the waggon fall on them while others suffered cuts from glass and shock. A young man received an improvised sling from his red shirt for arm injuries caused by the collapsing structure.
Specific scenes of distress and investigation update
Witnesses described a mother calming her toddler son by breastfeeding after minor scratches. An elderly woman needed help for a nosebleed from her medication. Blood and glass fragments lay on the ground as many young passengers expressed fears they could have died in the accident.
Neighbours and a restaurant owner supplied kitchen paper and ice for aid. Investigators examine possible brake failure without a confirmed cause. The free service during the festival hoped to boost local business and promote Cartama culinary strengths.
