Seven people hit by train in Catalonia, Spain killing four

Authorities in northeastern Spain said Sunday at least four people were killed as a group of seven were attempting to cross a railway line in Catalonia, just 12 miles north of Barcelona.

Spanish media said a music festival was held nearby on Sunday night, the eve of a holiday in Catalonia.

"We searched for other possible victims near the train. We did not find any others. We also helped evacuate the area and take the injured to ambulances," the regional firefighting force wrote on X.

Transport Minister Raquel Sanchez offered her condolences to the families of the victims and expressed her support on social media for the emergency services workers dealing "with this very difficult situation."

The head of the regional government of Catalonia, Pere Aragones, said he was "completely distraught" by the tragedy.

"Emergency services are continuing to work and offering support to the victims and their families. police are investigating the causes of the accident," he added.

According to an AFP report, in June 2010 an express train struck a group of people who were crossing the railway in the beach resort of Castelldefels, killing 12 people.

The people crossing the line on that occasion had just got off a commuter train and were crossing the track to get to the beach where a concert was being held to celebrate the summer solstice.

Some people complained at the time that an underpass exit was poorly marked and an old crossing was blocked off, leaving travellers confused.