At least 30 people have died in the high-speed train crash, multiple outlets have reported the Castilla-La Mancha regional government confirming.

The figure has been reported by news agencies AFP and Reuters, and local media El Pais.

It comes as emergency crews continue to carry out rescue and recovery operations at the scene.

Hospitals in the area have suspended planned surgeries as they deal with an influx of patients from the crash, according to Spanish news agency EFE.

It reported that facilities in Toledo, Ciudad Real and Alcázar de San Juan have cancelled procedures as casualties from the crash begin to arrive.

A passenger named Miguel, who says he was travelling with several colleagues in the rear car of one of the trains, tells Spanish radio station COPE they "heard a massive roar, a truly enormous thud that went on for 10 seconds, as if the train were about to derail".

He went on: "Through the right-hand window, we could see a wrecked train. I imagine it must have been the other one."

(Source: BBC)