URDA: At least 30 people were killed on Wednesday when two high-speed trains collided in central Spain, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise.
Images shared by local media showed wreckage scattered across railway tracks and an embankment as emergency crews rushed to the scene. Passengers were seen escaping from the damaged trains while carrying their luggage.
The collision occurred in Urda, in the Castilla-La Mancha region, approximately 130 kilometres (80 miles) south of Madrid. Emergency services said the trains collided shortly before 9:00 am local time (0800 GMT).
Authorities in Castilla-La Mancha confirmed at least 30 fatalities, revising an earlier estimate of 10 deaths. Regional government spokeswoman Esther Padilla told local broadcaster CMM that the toll could increase. Officials had not yet provided figures for the injured.
Spain’s state railway operator Renfe said the main high-speed route connecting Madrid with southern Spain had been suspended following an accident involving one of its services and a train operated by private company Iryo.
Emergency services said several fire crews, three helicopters and two mobile intensive care units were being deployed to assist those affected.