More than 30 dead after train derails

A subway train derailed and overturned in the eastern port city of Valencia, leaving more than 30 passengers dead in one of the most serious rail accidents in Spain in years.

Regional authorities said the likely cause of the accident was that the train was travelling at high speed and one of its wheels collapsed.

“The number of victims, some of which are still being identified, will exceed 30,” said Vicente Rambla of the Interior Ministry in Valencia.

He said the number of the dead could range from 34 and 36.

He added that there had been no collision between trains.

Some of the dead were still in the interior of the carriage, Rambla said, while other bodies were being transferred at the Valencia Forensic Institute for further identification.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who is on official visit to India, may cut his visit short, his office said.

He was in constant contact with officials while King Juan Carlos, also in touch with authorities, expressed his condolences.

The European Parliament held a minute of silence for the victims of the crash.