Nation begins three days of mourning after deadliest rail accident in more than a decade.

Spain began three days of national mourning on Tuesday for 41 people killed after two high speed trains collided in the country’s deadliest rail disaster in over ten years.

The crash occurred late Sunday when a train operated by private rail company Iryo, travelling from Malaga to Madrid, derailed near the town of Adamuz in the southern region of Andalusia.

The train crossed onto the opposite track and struck an oncoming service, which also derailed.

Authorities confirmed the death toll rose to 41 after a passenger’s body was recovered on Monday evening from one of the Iryo carriages. More than 120 people were injured, with 39 still hospitalised, including four children.

Public buildings flew flags at half mast, television presenters wore black and cabinet ministers reduced public engagements as the country observed the first day of national mourning.

Heavy machinery was brought in on Monday to lift badly damaged carriages and allow rescuers improved access to the wreckage.

Andalusian regional leader Juan Manuel Moreno said it would take another 24 to 48 hours to determine the final number of victims from what he described as a terrible accident.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were due to visit Adamuz on Tuesday to meet rescuers and local officials.

Aerial footage released by the Guardia Civil showed the two trains lying far apart as emergency workers in high visibility vests continued operations at the scene.

Spanish media reported that a six year old girl survived the crash but lost her parents, brother and cousin. The 27 year old driver of one of the trains was among those killed, according to daily newspaper El Pais.

The collision happened in a hilly olive growing area accessible by a single track road, complicating rescue efforts and delaying ambulances.

Firefighter Angel Uceda, one of the first responders, told Onda Cero radio that mobile phones were ringing beside injured passengers as he entered the wrecked carriages.

Officials said the derailment occurred on a straight section of track and both trains were travelling within the speed limit, unlike the 2013 accident in Galicia.

Transport Minister Oscar Puente said the first train to derail was almost new and the section of track had recently been renovated, calling the incident extremely unusual.

Iryo said around 300 passengers were on board its Malaga to Madrid service, while state operator Renfe said its train bound for Huelva was carrying 184 people.