Two high-speed trains crashed in southern Spain on Sunday night, killing at least 39 people and injuring about 170 others, officials said.
The crash happened near Adamuz in Córdoba, around 360km south of Madrid. One train from Málaga to Madrid derailed and crossed onto another track, hitting a second train heading to Huelva, rail operator Adif said.
The collision was so strong that two carriages fell down a 13-foot slope, and rescue teams described the wreckage as a “mangled mess.”
Around 500 passengers were on board both trains. About 75 people were hospitalised, and 48 remain in hospital. 15 passengers are in critical condition, including four children.
Rescuers continued searching through the wreckage, and some people were still believed to be trapped.
ALSO READ: UK: Man backs life imprisonment for sexually abusing 10-week-old baby
Cordoba fire chief Francisco Carmona said the twisted carriages made rescue work difficult. “The metal is twisted with the people inside,” he said.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente said the crash was “extremely strange” because it happened on a straight section of track that was recently renovated.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government was working with emergency services to help victims.
Rail services between Madrid and southern Andalusia have been suspended while the investigation continues.