MADRID, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- The death toll from a collision between two high-speed trains that derailed in a town in the southern Andalusian province of Cordoba late last night has risen to 24, with at least 70 people injured, Spanish TV reported Monday.
15 of the injured are in critical condition, while around 170 others with minor injuries were treated at a field hospital set up near the scene, it added.
According to the report, the accident occurred when the last three carriages of a high-speed train traveling from Malaga to Madrid, carrying 317 passengers, derailed and crossed onto an adjacent track, where another high-speed train operating between Madrid and Huelva was passing. The second train also derailed, resulting in the death of its driver.
The incident took place near the entrance to the town of Adamuz in Cordoba province. The President of the Andalusia region did not rule out a further rise in the number of victims in the coming hours as rescue operations continue.
Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente was quoted as saying that it was "not possible to speculate on the causes" of the accident, which he described as "unusual." Spanish television said rescue operations are ongoing, with the Military Emergency Unit deployed to assist, particularly as one of the carriages of the second train fell down a four-meter slope.
High-speed rail services between Madrid and southern Andalusian cities have been suspended since the accident and will remain halted throughout Monday. (end) hnd.aa