Two trains collide in Spain, killing at least 39 people

In southern Spain, a collision between two passenger trains killed at least 24 people, and another 75 were injured and are in hospital, El Día de Córdoba reports . The incident occurred on Sunday evening near the city of Adamus in the province of Cordoba - about 360 km south of the country's capital.

Updated: According to the latest data, the death toll has risen to 39 people, and more than 150 injured.

According to Reuters, a high-speed Iryo train traveling from Malaga to Madrid derailed and crashed into an oncoming train operated by Renfe, which was heading from the capital to Huelva. The impact also caused the second train to leave the tracks and roll down a four-meter embankment. In total, there were about 400 passengers on board both trains - more than 300 on the Iryo train and approximately 100 on the Renfe train. Among those hospitalized, 15 people are in critical condition, and authorities do not rule out an increase in the number of victims as the wreckage of the trains is sorted out.

The accident occurred at 19:45 local time, ten minutes after the Iryo train left Cordoba. Transport Minister Oscar Puente called the incident "very strange" because the crash occurred on a straight section of track that was completely resurfaced last May. The cause of the accident has not yet been established; an investigation is ongoing.