Spain train collision death toll rises to 46

The death toll from a collision between two trains south of Madrid, the capital of Spain, has risen to 46, a regional government official said.

The number of casualties is feared to rise further.

More than 500 passengers were aboard the two trains when the accident occurred shortly after 9am local time, a regional government spokesperson said.

“The death toll will certainly rise further,” the spokesperson said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying he was shocked by the serious train accident. He said he was in constant contact with the transport minister to receive updates on the situation.

Spain’s rail infrastructure operator Adif said a train operated by Renfe and travelling from Madrid to Seville collided with another train operated by Iryo.

Following the accident, all trains operating on the affected railway line were stopped at various stations, Adif said.

A spokesperson for Spain’s emergency services told AFP that rescue operations were underway at the scene. Several fire brigades, three helicopters and two mobile intensive care units, along with other emergency personnel and equipment, had been deployed.

The cause of the collision and the full extent of the damage were not immediately known.