The accident took place late Sunday when a train carrying about 300 passengers bound for Madrid derailed and collided with an oncoming service. Rescue workers struggled through the wreckage into Monday, with authorities warning that the official death toll is likely to rise as they uncover more bodies and identify missing passengers.

Family members of those caught up in the disaster gathered near the crash site and at hospitals, still searching for loved ones. Some posted photos and pleas on social media in hopes of locating relatives after contact was lost amid the chaos. Police have set up reporting centres and are collecting DNA samples to help identify victims found in severely damaged carriages.

In a statement at the scene, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged a “full and transparent” investigation into the causes of the crash, describing the tragedy as a moment of national sorrow. “Spanish society, like all of us, is wondering what happened, and I’m convinced that time and the work of experts will provide us with those answers,” Sánchez said on Monday.

Police and rail officials have noted that the collision occurred on a straight, recently renovated section of track, and investigators are examining whether infrastructure failure played a role. Emergency crews continued recovery operations in challenging conditions, with authorities urging patience as the death toll evolves.