64 killed in train collision in Spain

At least 64 were killed in a train accident that occurred on Wednesday in the Spanish province of Toledo, south of Madrid, reported Xinhua, quoting local authorities.

Emergency services continue to search for bodies of the victims with the help of trained dogs, and "even more" victims could still be found among the passengers of the two trains involved in the accident, said Emiliano Garcia-Page, president of the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha which includes the province of Toledo.

According to Spanish newspaper El Pais, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is traveling to the site of the train accident in the province of Toledo to learn firsthand the details of what occurred and the unfolding situation.

The accident occurred at around 8:54 a.m. local time (0754 GMT) near Urda station in the province of Toledo, about 120 km south of Madrid.

The collision involved a train operated by state-owned railway company Renfe and another operated by private company Iryo.

Preliminary reports suggested that the Renfe train struck the rear of the Iryo train, which had reportedly been stationary on the tracks. Two carriages derailed and plunged down an embankment.

Spanish railway infrastructure operator Adif confirmed that the accident prompted the suspension of rail services between Madrid and Andalusia.

Political parties across Spain cancelled scheduled activities on Wednesday, while officials expressed their condolences and support for those affected.

"Shocked by the serious train accident in Toledo," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on social media, adding that emergency services are on the ground to assist those impacted.

The collision came just nine months after another major railway accident near Adamuz, in the southern province of Cordoba, which killed 46 people.

More to follow