Two trains collided in western Slovakia on Sunday, causing serious injuries to 11 individuals, according to authorities.
The incident occurred near Pezinok in the Bratislava region, with Train Tatran 620, traveling from Kosice to Bratislava, crashing into REX 1814, heading from Nitra to the capital. It was revealed that one train disregarded a red signal and rear-ended the other.
A spokesperson from University Hospital Bratislava mentioned that two patients were currently undergoing surgery, and more surgeries were anticipated. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok stated that 11 people sustained serious injuries, with numerous others having minor injuries among the approximately 800 passengers, many of whom were students.
Both train operators tested negative for alcohol and drugs, as confirmed by a representative from the Bratislava regional police. Ivan Bednarok, the head of Slovak railway service ZSR, described the incident as extraordinary, highlighting that one train violated signals, leading to the collision with the second express train at a speed exceeding 100 km/h.
Emergency responders, including over 70 firefighters and 60 police officers, quickly arrived at the scene. Evacuation buses from the Prison and Judicial Guard Corps were utilized for transporting passengers.
A witness recounted the experience, stating, “I was on a journey from Piestany to Bratislava when the sudden stop threw us forward, narrowly avoiding a severe impact due to a mounted table.”
Prime Minister Robert Fico took to Facebook, urging people to support the injured and avoid spreading rumors or negativity. He assured coordination with relevant officials and expressed wishes for the swift recovery of the injured, announcing an extraordinary government meeting scheduled for the following day.
State-owned rail operator ZSSK provided an update, mentioning ongoing emergency response efforts following the collision, with details on the causes pending investigation. They assured further information would be shared as the investigation progressed.
Train operations in the area were disrupted, with ZSSK cautioning passengers about significant delays in the affected section.
This incident occurred shortly after a previous train collision in eastern Slovakia on October 13, which resulted in injuries to 91 individuals, some of them severe.