QBE may face claims relating to last Wednesday’s fatal train crash in Spain, because it provides third-party liability cover to state-owned rail network Renfe.

The crash near Santiago de Compostela killed 79 people and injured more than 130.

Train driver Francisco Jose Garzon Amo has been provisionally charged with multiple cases of reckless homicide.

QBE will not comment on the details of the policy or the size of potential claims.

“While it is QBE’s policy not to comment on specific risk exposures for client confidentiality reasons, we are aware that Renfe has previously disclosed that QBE is its insurer in relation to certain third-party liability losses,” a spokesman said.

“Speaking generally, QBE has reinsurance protections that cap the company’s exposure to any single risk at $US50 million ($53.92 million).”

Meanwhile, Allianz’s Spanish subsidiary, Allianz Seguros, has confirmed it covers a compulsory personal accident policy for Renfe.