A train collision in the southern Czech Republic has resulted in 57 individuals sustaining injuries, with two of them in serious condition as confirmed by the regional rescue service. The incident occurred near the city of České Budějovice, approximately 74 miles south of Prague, early this morning, prompting a swift response from emergency services. Traffic in the area has been disrupted, with services between Ceske Budejovice and Plzen temporarily suspended until later in the day.
While the exact cause of the train crash is still under investigation, the Czech transport minister has indicated that one of the trains likely violated a red signal. The regional rescue service reported that 57 people were injured in the collision, with the severity of injuries varying. Two individuals have been classified as seriously injured, although a local hospital in Ceske Budejovice has revealed that they are treating five patients with severe injuries.
This incident follows a series of recent railway accidents in central Europe. Notably, in neighboring Slovakia, 13 individuals were hospitalized after a train collision near Bratislava on November 9, while another incident in eastern Slovakia on October 13 left several passengers injured, including two in critical condition.
The collision involved an express train and a passenger train on the line between Zliví and Dívčice in the České Budějovice region, leading to the dispatch of two evacuation buses to assist uninjured individuals. Reports indicate that a total of 42 people sustained injuries, with five of them classified as serious cases.
Jan Kučera, Inspector General of the Railway Inspection, mentioned that a team of four inspectors is examining whether human error, technical malfunctions, or systemic issues contributed to the incident. Transport Minister Martin Kupka provided updates on the situation, stating that the express train collided with a passenger train, resulting in multiple injuries. He emphasized the ongoing investigation by the Railway Inspectorate and the preliminary findings suggesting a signal violation by the express train.
A regional hospital spokeswoman disclosed that five individuals were admitted with severe injuries, while others suffered minor injuries. Images from the scene show the aftermath of the collision, with two train cars visibly damaged. The regional rescue service confirmed the injuries of two seriously injured individuals and about 40 others with minor injuries, while authorities continue to probe the crash’s cause.
The train collision near Ceske Budejovice underscores the importance of railway safety, with the incident triggering comprehensive investigations to determine the underlying factors leading to the unfortunate event.