Dozens feared dead after train derails

At least 24 people are reported to have died after a Spanish train derailed, toppling passenger cars on their sides and leaving at least one torn open as smoke rose into the air.

It was not immediately clear how many people were hurt or had died, but Spanish National TV showed footage of what appeared to be several bodies covered by blankets alongside the tracks next to the wrecked train wagons, and newspaper El Pais reported at least 24 had been killed.

The accident occurred on high-speed tracks near the train station in Santiago de Compostola, 60 miles south of El Ferrol.

Rescue workers were seen in the images caring for people still inside some of the wagons.

The train, which belongs to the state-owned Renfe company, was headed to El Ferrol from Madrid.

Officials at the Interior Ministry and the Adif rail infrastructure authority did not immediately answer telephone calls or return messages seeking comment.

Officials with Renfe also did not immediately return messages seeking comment.