Audio recordings have emerged revealing conversations between train drivers and railway control officials in the minutes before a deadly train collision in Spain that claimed at least 68 lives and left dozens injured. 

The recordings, published by Spanish media outlets, appear to show that a train operated by state-owned Renfe was cleared to continue its journey despite another train having reportedly stalled about 25 kilometres ahead. The crash occurred when a train travelling from Madrid to Seville collided with a stationary train. 

Authorities are investigating the cause of the disaster, which has been described as one of the deadliest rail accidents in modern European history. According to reports, the stationary train, operated by Iryo, had stopped on the tracks following a computer failure, prompting the railway control centre in Madrid to take over. 

In one of the recordings, a control centre operator is heard instructing the Renfe train driver to resume the journey at normal speed after technical difficulties.