A commuter train has struck a crane near Cartagena, just days after deadly crashes in Andalusia and Catalonia

Spain has suffered the third rail accident in less than a week, after a commuter train struck a crane in the southeastern region of Murcia, slightly injuring several people, the regional authorities have said.

The incident occurred around midday Thursday on the narrow-gauge Cartagena-Los Nietos line, operated under the FEVE brand. A meter-gauge commuter train leaving Cartagena at 11:40am local time and due in Los Nietos at 12:13pm was struck on its side near Alumbres, the regional Health Ministry said.

During the journey, the arm of a truck-mounted crane – not affiliated with state railway operator Renfe or infrastructure manager Adif – encroached on the rail clearance and struck the train, shattering several carriage windows but not causing derailment, the emergency services said.

Regional President Fernando Lopez Miras said on social media that four people had minor injuries and stressed that there was “no derailment.” Earlier reports suggested up to six were injured, with some taken to hospitals. Around 16 passengers were on board.