A terrifying accident in one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist regions has shocked the world. A train derailed early Monday after an avalanche struck the snow-covered Swiss Alps. The scenic landscape, usually known for its beauty, quickly turned into a scene of panic. Police confirmed that several people were injured in the incident. Scroll down to know more!
Train Derails After Avalanche Struck Swiss Alps
The accident happened near Goppenstein in the canton of Valais early Monday morning, February 16. As per GB News, the train derailed in Switzerland after an avalanche came down in the Stockgraben area and affected the railway track. The train had left Spiez at around 6:12 am and reached near Goppenstein when the incident occurred at about 7 am local time.
Around 80 passengers were on board the train at the time. Emergency teams quickly reached the accident spot and began rescue operations. Police confirmed that by 9:05 am, they had safely evacuated at least 30 passengers. Authorities continued working to evacuate the remaining passengers and secure the area. A spokesperson from the Valais cantonal police said rescue operations were ongoing and more information would be released later.
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Train Services Suspended On Frutigen–Brig Line
Following the accident, authorities suspended train services on the Frutigen–Brig railway line between Goppenstein and Brig. According to GB News, Swiss Federal Railways announced that this disruption may continue until at least 4 am on Tuesday. Officials also placed restrictions on local rail routes to ensure safety.
Just days before this derailment, another avalanche hit the same area near Goppenstein on February 12. The avalanche blocked access to the Lötschental valley and forced authorities to stop a car shuttle train for several hours. Officials called it an extreme snow event. Thankfully, no vehicles were hit, and no injuries were reported during that earlier incident.
We hope the rescue operation is completed soon and that people are safe!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Ttrainer