In Shorts
- Avalanche struck railway track moments before train passed in Valais region
- At least five passengers injured with one hospitalised
- Rail services between Goppenstein and Brig temporarily suspended
A regional passenger train travelling through the Swiss Alps derailed on Monday morning after an avalanche swept across the railway track near the village of Goppenstein in the Valais canton of southern Switzerland.
The accident occurred at around 7 am local time when the train, carrying 29 passengers, encountered a snow slide that is believed to have crossed the tracks just moments before its arrival. According to initial reports from local police, the sudden impact forced several carriages off the line, prompting an immediate emergency response.
Authorities confirmed that at least five passengers sustained injuries in the incident. One of the injured individuals was transported to a hospital in Sion for further treatment, while the remaining four received medical care at the scene from emergency responders. Rescue teams including ambulances, mountain specialists and a helicopter were deployed to safely evacuate everyone onboard.
Following the derailment, train services on the Frutigen to Brig route were suspended, leading to travel disruptions in the region. Officials stated that the avalanche was likely triggered by recent heavy snowfall and unstable snow layers across the Alpine terrain.
Public prosecutors have now opened an investigation to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the accident. The derailment comes amid heightened avalanche warnings across parts of the western Alps, where severe winter weather conditions have significantly increased the risk of snow slides in recent days.
Emergency operations were completed by midday, with all passengers safely evacuated. Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions as transport safety remains a concern across mountain routes affected by extreme snowfall.
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