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 (18:45 GMT) on Sunday, about an hour after one of the trains departed Málaga for Madrid. The train derailed and crossed tracks, colliding with an oncoming train traveling from Madrid to Huelva.
The majority of those killed and injured were in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train, according to Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente.
The cause of the crash remains unclear. An investigation is underway, but officials have suggested that it is unlikely to determine the specifics for at least a month. Initial assessments have ruled out excessive speed or human error as the cause of the derailment. Additionally, rescue operations are ongoing to find any remaining victims, as some individuals may still be trapped in twisted rail cars.
As of Monday afternoon, 122 people had received medical assistance, with 48 individuals still hospitalized, including five minors. The event has shocked the nation, prompting expressions of solidarity and support from across Spain.
