King Charles has sent a message of condolence to King Felipe VI following Sunday's devastating train crash in Andalusia, Spain.
The British monarch expressed that he and Queen Camilla were "profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the appalling train accident in Southern Spain and of the many lives so tragically lost in such a disaster."
In his message, the King offered "deepest possible sympathy" to bereaved families and said his thoughts remained with those seriously hurt in the collision.
King Charles also praised the swift response of rescue workers, stating: "We also wish to pay a particular tribute to the emergency services who responded so swiftly and courageously at the scene of the crash."
The British monarch expressed that he and Queen Camilla were "profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the appalling train accident in Southern Spain and of the many lives so tragically lost in such a disaster."
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The message, signed "Charles R", concluded by expressing solidarity with the Spanish people during this "painfully difficult time."
The collision occurred on Sunday evening near the city of Córdoba when a train travelling from Málaga to Madrid derailed on a straight section of track and crossed onto the opposite line.
The derailed carriages struck an oncoming service heading south from Madrid to Huelva, according to rail network operator Adif.
Spain's Civil Guard confirmed at least 40 people lost their lives in what has become the country's deadliest rail disaster in over a decade.
Spain's Civil Guard confirmed at least 40 people lost their lives in what has become the country's deadliest rail disaster in over a decade.
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Approximately 400 passengers and crew members were aboard both services at the time of impact.
The trains involved were Freccia 1000 models, capable of reaching speeds up to 400 km/h, according to Italian rail company Ferrovie dello Stato.
Most fatalities and injuries occurred in the front carriages of the southbound train, which was pushed into an embankment by the force of the collision.
Emergency services treated 122 people at the scene, with 43 remaining in hospital including four children. Thirteen patients are currently receiving intensive care treatment.
The Spanish royal palace issued a statement on social media expressing "most heartfelt condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the dead, as well as our love and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured."
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Transport Minister Óscar Puente warned that the death toll may rise further as officials launched their inquiry into the cause.
The minister described the incident as "extremely strange," adding that railway experts consulted by the government were "extremely baffled by the accident."
Rescue teams faced significant challenges extracting survivors from the mangled wreckage of the carriages.
Investigators are not expected to determine the official cause for at least a month.
Adamuz mayor Rafael Moreno, among the first to arrive at the crash site, described the scene as "a nightmare."
The Spanish royal family also responded to the disaster, with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia stating they were monitoring developments "with great concern."
The Spanish royal palace issued a statement on social media expressing "most heartfelt condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the dead, as well as our love and wishes for a swift recovery to the injured."
The private operator Iryo confirmed around 300 passengers were travelling on the Málaga service, while state-funded Renfe's southbound train carried approximately 100 passengers.