The death toll from a devastating high-speed train collision in southern Spain has risen to 46, authorities confirmed on Friday, following the death of a passenger who had been receiving intensive medical care.

Spanish emergency services said the latest fatality occurred after days of treatment, bringing the number of confirmed deaths from the accident to 46, while dozens of other passengers remain hospitalised with varying degrees of injuries.

The collision involved two passenger trains operating on the same rail corridor, triggering a large-scale emergency response and plunging the country into mourning. Rescue teams, including firefighters, paramedics and civil protection officers, were deployed to the scene shortly after the incident to evacuate survivors trapped inside damaged coaches.

Regional health officials disclosed that several of the injured are still in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase further.

In a statement, Spanish authorities described the incident as one of the most tragic railway accidents in recent years, prompting renewed concerns over rail safety and infrastructure maintenance across the country.

The Spanish government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while national and regional leaders observed moments of silence in honour of those who lost their lives.

An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the collision. Transport safety experts are examining track conditions, signalling systems and operational procedures to establish whether technical failure or human error played a role in the disaster.

Rail services along the affected route were temporarily suspended as investigators secured the area and carried out preliminary assessments.

Spain operates one of Europe’s largest high-speed rail networks, and the tragedy has sparked public debate over safety standards, maintenance practices and oversight within the rail transport system.

Authorities have assured the public that all findings from the investigation will be made public and that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence.