A high-speed train derailed and smashed into an oncoming train in southern Spain on Sunday evening, killing at least 39 people, according to latest figures.
The accident happened at about 7.30pm local time near Adamuz, in the Andalusian province of Cordoba, about 360km south of the capital Madrid. Several carriages plunged down an embankment after the collision.
Emergency services treated 122 people for injuries, with 48 remaining in hospital.
President of Andalusia's regional government, Juanma Moreno, said early on Monday that 15 were in a serious condition.
The train that derailed was travelling from Malaga to Madrid, while the oncoming train was on a journey from Madrid to the south-western city of Huelva.
The cause of the crash is not yet known, Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente said at a press conference at Atocha station in Madrid.
He said it was “really strange” that a derailment should have happened on a straight stretch of track. This section of track was renewed in May, added Mr Puente.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday promised a "thorough and absolutely transparent" investigation into the crash.
Video from the scene shared on social media on Sunday showed rescuers pulling passengers from twisted carriages lying on their side. Some passengers climbed out of smashed windows, while others were removed on stretchers.
“The Iryo 6189 Malaga − [to Madrid] train has derailed from the track at Adamuz, crashing on to the adjacent track. The [Madrid] to Huelva train which was travelling on the adjacent track has also derailed,” Adif, which runs the rail network, said in a social media post.
State broadcaster Television Espanola reported that the driver of the train that was travelling to Huelva was among those who died.
There were around 400 passengers on the two trains, most of them Spaniards travelling back to or from Madrid after the weekend. It was unclear how many tourists could have been on-board.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia said they were following the incident with “great concern”.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family members and loved ones of the deceased, as well as our affection and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured,” they wrote on X.
