At least 39 people have died and dozens more have been injured after two high-speed trains collided in southern Spain, the country's Civil Guard has said.

The incident near the city of Córdoba has been described by local officials as Spain's worst rail crash in more than a decade.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is expected to visit the scene later on Monday, where rescue efforts are ongoing.

Where did the crash happen?

The crash occurred at around 19:45 local time (18:45 GMT) on Sunday, about an hour after one of the trains departed Málaga for Madrid.

The train derailed and crossed onto the opposite track, colliding with an oncoming train bound for Huelva, which was forced into an embankment beside the tracks, according to Spain's Transport Minister Óscar Puente.

The majority of casualties were reported in the front carriages of the Huelva-bound train.

What caused the crash?

Investigations into the cause of the train derailment are underway, but no conclusions are expected for at least a month. Transport Minister Puente described the crash as extremely strange, noting that railway experts are baffled.

Initial assessments suggest that excessive speed or human error were not contributing factors, raising questions of a possible mechanical fault or infrastructure issues.

Are people still trapped in the trains?

Rescue teams are currently assessing the site with approximately 400 passengers and crew members on board. Reports indicate that some individuals may still be trapped in the twisted wreckage, making it challenging for emergency crews to access them. Heavy machinery is awaited to aid in rescue operations.

Who are the victims?

As investigations continue, the deceased have yet to be identified, but 112 people have received medical assistance, with 43 remaining hospitalized, four of whom are underage.

What have the survivors said?

Survivors have described the moment of impact feeling like an earthquake, with windows shattering and passengers being thrown to the ground. Reports from eyewitnesses highlight the chaos and urgent calls for medical services following the collision.