The official said that all those injured in the incident had already been removed from the scene and transported to Coimbra Hospital.

The train was travellking in a south-north direction and the derailment occurred after the collision between the Alfa Pendular and a working machine, the alert was given at 15:30, according to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC).

The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has spoken about his regret about the "serious accident" on the railway in the Soure area and said that he will await "the results of the technical and judicial investigations".

“The President of the Republic regrets the serious railway accident this afternoon on the Northern Line, the details of which were informed by the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Pedro Nuno Santos”, reads a note posted on the Presidency's website.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa presents "heartfelt condolences to the relatives and friends of the victims" and wishes "quick improvements to the numerous wounded, awaiting the results of the technical and judicial investigations".