Fire on Rodalies R3 train forces partial suspension: 'We smelled something burning'

The Rodalies R3 line was partially suspended on Tuesday morning after a fire broke out on the overhead line, damaging part of a train between the northern stations of Ripoll and Manlleu.

The train, which was heading to Vic, had around 60 passengers onboard. All were evacuated, and two individuals required medical attention, being transferred to a primary health center in the municipality of Torelló.

The fire began at 8:45 a.m. when the train's pantograph became entangled with the overhead line.

"People started screaming, 'Get off the train,' and we smelled something burning, so we quickly got off," Núria, one of the passengers, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

"We heard a loud noise, and then the overhead line came down," Núria added. After evacuating the train, passengers walked along the tracks.

Those traveling to Barcelona were provided with an alternative bus route, while some opted to return to Puigcerdà or Ripoll by taxi.

"I don't need to go to Barcelona anymore. I was supposed to be there at 10:30 a.m., so I prefer to return to Puigcerdà," Núria said.

Five firefighter brigades were dispatched to the scene, and the fire has since been extinguished.