Two trains collide in Spain, many feared dead

At least 10 people have died in the collision between two trains in Spain.

According to BBC correspondent Guy Hedgecoe, it is feared that the actual number of casualties may be much higher. In some reports the number of dead is said to be 30.

Many media organizations have quoted the regional government of Castile-La Mancha as saying that at least 30 people have died in a collision between high-speed trains in Spain.

News agencies AFP and Reuters, as well as local media outlet El Pais, put the death toll at 30.

Meanwhile, the operation of relief and rescue teams is going on at the spot. Teams are busy rescuing people and removing dead bodies.

It is being told that around 500 people were traveling in both the trains.

The accident occurred near the city of Urda, about 140 kilometers (100 miles) south of Madrid.

The accident occurred when a high-speed train going from Madrid towards the southern part of the country allegedly collided with another stationary train. Due to the collision, at least two coaches derailed and fell down.

A passenger traveling on a train told local media that a strong collision was felt about 40 minutes after the start of the journey.

Firefighters, paramedics and other emergency services personnel are present at the scene. Three helicopters have also been deployed for relief and rescue operations.

According to reports, the government believes that human error related to signaling could be the possible reason for this accident.

National rail operator Renfe has started a helpline to assist the families of passengers traveling in trains.

Day long programs have also been canceled in Parliament.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed grief over the incident on social media and expressed condolences and support to the injured and their families.

In January, 46 people were killed in a collision between two trains on the same railway route.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was "shocked by the horrific train accident" in Toledo.

Sanchez wrote on the social media platform X that he is in constant contact with the Minister of Transport and the President of the Castilla-La Mancha region.

He said that emergency services are engaged in relief and rescue work at the spot, so that the affected people can be helped and their safety is ensured. All concerned administrative agencies are working together in this work.

"My condolences, solidarity and support go out to all the victims and their families," Sanchez said.

Sanchez and other Spanish leaders have canceled all public events for Wednesday. These also include the campaign for the parliamentary elections to be held next month.

Till now the following information has come to light about this incident-

- Many media outlets, quoting the Castile-La Mancha regional government, are putting the death toll at 30.

According to rail operator Edif, the accident happened between a train of rail company Renfe and another train of Iryo company. Irio operates a train service between Madrid and Seville.

- Edif told on social media platform X that all the trains running on this railway route have been stopped at the stations on the way.