Three women and a man have been killed after their car was hit by a high-speed train on a level crossing on the Costa Blanca.
Local reports said the four victims could be members of the same family.
The tragedy occurred around 5.15pm this afternoon by a railway station in Novelda near Alicante.
The Intercity train that hit the vehicle was travelling from Barcelona to Lorca near Murcia in south-east Spain.
None of the passengers on the train were hurt in the smash, although one woman on board was treated for a panic attack.
Novelda mayor Fran Martinez went to the scene of the tragedy as soon as he was told the victims could be from Petrer a 10-minute drive away.
The four people killed died instantly.
Four coaches have been mobilised to take the train passengers to their destination.
An investigation is underway although initial reports based on witness testimony are pointing to the victims driving through a closed barrier on the level crossing.
