Avalanche derails Swiss train: 80 passengers on board; possibility of casualties

A passenger train carrying about 80 people derailed early Monday

after an avalanche near the village of Goppenstein in southern Switzerland, officials said.

Police confirmed that the derailment occurred at 7 a.m. local time and warned that there was a “possibility” of people being injured.

News agency AFP reported that they evacuated 30 passengers from the affected trains by 10.00 am, while ambulances and rescue helicopters continued their operations.

“The train derailed due to an avalanche in the Stockgraben area,” a spokesman for Swiss rail company BLS told 20 Minutes.

According to The Independent, several casualties are feared as rescue teams arrive at the scene

The train, which left Spiez at 6.12 a.m., was heading south toward Brig at the time of the incident.

As a result, rail traffic between Gopenstein and Brig has been suspended, with services expected to remain halted until at least Tuesday, the BLS said.

Switzerland’s rail network is known for its extensive coverage and punctuality, connecting cities, towns and remote villages.

Rail lovers from all over the world travel along the scenic routes, some of which include steep climbs.

Officials are assessing the situation and providing medical care to those affected. In 2023, a separate storm near Bern caused two trains to derail within 20 minutes, injuring 15 people. This is a developing story…