The 2004 Madrid train bombings ( also known in Spain as 11-M ) were nearly simultaneous , coordinated bombings against the Cercanías commuter train system of Madrid , Spain , on the morning of 11 March 2004three days before Spain 's general elections and two and a half years after the September 11 attacks in the United States . The explosions killed 191 people and wounded 1,800 . It was concluded that the bombs were carried on the trains hidden in backpacks , While many went off three were found later that did not detonate . The official investigation by the Spanish judiciary found that the attacks were directed by an al-Qaeda-inspired terrorist cell . ETA and al Qaeda were the original suspects cited by the Spanish government
2004 Madrid train bombings
2004 Madrid train bombings
History of terrorism