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The death toll from a collision between two high-speed trains in central Spain has risen to 64, regional authorities said on Wednesday, warning that the figure could increase further.
The accident occurred near Urda, in the province of Toledo, about 130 kilometres south of Madrid, when a high-speed train operated by state-owned Renfe struck the rear of a stationary train operated by private company Iryo.
The collision caused two carriages of the Iryo train to derail and plunge down a railway embankment, leaving wreckage scattered across the area.
At least 80 people were injured in the accident, according to regional authorities.
Emergency workers continued searching the wreckage for survivors and victims, while the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.
The two trains were carrying more than 500 passengers and were travelling towards the southern region of Andalusia when the crash occurred shortly before 9am local time.
The cause of the collision remained unclear, and an investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The crash prompted the suspension of rail services on the affected route between Madrid and southern Spain.
Emergency services, firefighters, police and military personnel were deployed to assist with rescue operations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cancelled his scheduled engagements to focus on the disaster, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families.
The accident is Spain’s second major deadly train disaster this year, following a collision in January that killed 46 people.