At least 40 people have died and dozens more have been injured after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain, local authorities have said. The incident near the city of Córdoba has been described by local officials as Spain's worst rail crash in more than a decade.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the scene on Monday, where he announced a three-day mourning period. The crash occurred at around 19:45 local time on Sunday, shortly after one of the trains departed Málaga for Madrid. It derailed and crossed over to the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming train traveling from south Madrid to Huelva. The majority of casualties were reported in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train.
What caused the train to derail is still unclear. Officials have launched an investigation, which is not expected to conclude for at least a month. The Spanish state-owned rail operator Renfe's president stated that excess speed or human error has been ruled out as possible reasons for the crash.
Rescue teams are currently working at the scene, with some passengers still believed to be trapped in twisted metal. The identity of the victims is still being verified. Survivors have described the chaos of the crash, likening the impact to an earthquake, while emergency services are mobilizing to provide assistance and answers.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited the scene on Monday, where he announced a three-day mourning period. The crash occurred at around 19:45 local time on Sunday, shortly after one of the trains departed Málaga for Madrid. It derailed and crossed over to the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming train traveling from south Madrid to Huelva. The majority of casualties were reported in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train.
What caused the train to derail is still unclear. Officials have launched an investigation, which is not expected to conclude for at least a month. The Spanish state-owned rail operator Renfe's president stated that excess speed or human error has been ruled out as possible reasons for the crash.
Rescue teams are currently working at the scene, with some passengers still believed to be trapped in twisted metal. The identity of the victims is still being verified. Survivors have described the chaos of the crash, likening the impact to an earthquake, while emergency services are mobilizing to provide assistance and answers.
