Three days of national mourning declared in Spain as Pedro Sanchez promises ‘transparent’ probe into train disaster with at least 39 deaths

PRIME Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced a period of national mourning and a ‘transparent’ investigation into the crash between two high-speed trains in Cordoba province that killed at least 39 people and left dozens injured.

Sanchez, who was present at the scene of last night’s tragedy, visited Adamuz near the site on Monday.

The premier said that today ‘is a day of sorrow for all of Spain’ and said that three days of mourning would start at midnight.”

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“We wonder what happened. The experts and the passage of time will give us the answer,” said he.

We will reveal the truth in absolute transparency to the public.

Sanchez said: “I am able to guarantee the victims we will continue to protect them and provide them with assistance for as long a time as is needed.”

He also highlighted the work of all the public servants and all of the emergency services, from medics and the city hall right up to national government, ‘in a moment of such pain and tragedy’.

Andalucia’s President Juanma Moreno, who was also on the crash site, said that they had to deal with a disaster unprecedented.

He said that 48 people were currently hospitalized, and hoped they would be released soon.

Moreno stated that authorities are working to identify the victims.

He said that there were many hours of hard work to be done and that each level of government would do all they could to assist.

The head Roman Catholic Church expressed his “deep sadness” at the news of a deadly train accident that occurred in Spain.

In a statement, Pope Leo offered his prayers for the victims and ‘heartfelt’ condolences to their families, while also wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.

Alvaro Fernandez Heredia – the president of rail operator Renfe, which ran one of the trains involved in the crash – says ‘human error is practically ruled out’ as a cause of the collision.

Talking to Cadena Ser Radio, Heredia said the crash happened in ‘strange conditions’ but added it was too early to talk about the cause.

A commission that is investigating the collision has also been sent to the scene in order to collect the evidence.

The Olive Press has more Cordoba news. Click here to view it.