Driver crashes car onto train tracks between Petra and Manacor, disrupting service

A car veered off the road and fell near the train tracks at the height of Petra, forcing the suspension of train services for over an hour. The driver, an elderly man, tested negative in the breathalyser test.

An elderly driver travelling on the Ma-15 veered off the road and fell with his vehicle near the train line, at the 46-kilometre point, between Petra and Manacor. The incident, which occurred around 18:15 on Wednesday, forced Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM) to suspend train services on the affected stretch for over an hour.

An Opel Corsa in the train gauge

The car, an Opel Corsa with two occupants, ended up very close to the tracks, invading the safety space necessary for the train's passage. Eyewitnesses indicated that the driver appeared to be drunk, although subsequent tests ruled out alcohol intoxication.

Local police from Manacor, National Police, and the Civil Guard were dispatched to the scene. The officers verified that the space between the vehicle and the train gauge was insufficient, prompting them to request the interruption of train services to avoid any risk.

Removal of the side mirror and resumption of service

The officers attempted to remove the car's side mirror to gain a few centimetres and allow the trains to pass, but ultimately decided to secure the vehicle and wait for SFM to give the go-ahead. Services resumed around 19:30, although with accumulated delays that gradually normalised.

The driver, who was unharmed along with his passenger, underwent breathalyser tests, which returned a negative result, below the maximum permitted limit. However, authorities are investigating whether the accident may have been due to a sudden indisposition or drowsiness, common in elderly individuals.

The Civil Guard investigates the causes

The Civil Guard in Manacor has taken charge of the investigation to clarify the circumstances of the incident. So far, no complaints have been filed, nor has the driver been detained, although he could face an administrative sanction for leaving the road.

For the residents of Petra and Manacor, the incident caused a setback during the evening rush hour, with several trains delayed. SFM recommends checking updated schedules on their website before travelling, although the line is now operating normally.