At least 39 people have been killed after two high-speed trains collided in central Spain, local authorities told Sky News.

The trains collided on the railway line connecting Madrid with the southern Andalusia region, according to rail operator Adif.

More than 400 passengers were aboard the two trains, Sky News reported. The Iryo train was carrying 147 people, while the AVE train had 297 passengers.

Several carriages overturned in the crash, with at least three reported to have rolled down an embankment. Images from the scene showed other carriages tilted to one side.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was shocked by the serious train accident.

The crash is the second deadly train accident in Spain this year.

Further details about the cause of the collision and the extent of the injuries were not immediately available.