A significant cable theft affecting the high-speed rail line between Madrid and Seville caused major disruptions for thousands of passengers returning home from a holiday weekend. Authorities warn of crowding at Atocha station due to delays.

Spanish authorities say that thousands of rail passengers in Spain have been hit with delays after copper cables used in the signaling system of a high-speed line traveling south from Madrid to Sevill

Copper thieves brought part of Spain's high-speed train network to a standstill on Sunday evening, leaving some trapped in trains overnight and thousands stranded at stations.