A passenger train derailed in the Swiss Alps on , after being struck by an avalanche near the village of Goppenstein in the Valais canton. The incident, which occurred around 7:00 am local time, involved a train carrying approximately 80 people, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
Authorities confirmed that five people sustained injuries. One individual was transported to a hospital in Sion, while four others received treatment at the scene. Police Valais stated that all passengers had been safely evacuated from the Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon (BLS) AG regional train by midday.
The derailment took place as the train was emerging from a tunnel on its journey south from Spiez to Brig, in the Stockgraben area. Swiss railway authorities have attributed the incident directly to the avalanche. A spokesperson for BLS AG told 20 Minuten that the avalanche caused the train to leave the tracks.
Rescue teams, comprising firefighters, medical personnel, and mountain specialists, were dispatched to the remote location despite challenging weather conditions. Valais cantonal police described the situation as “fluid” and indicated that an investigation was underway to determine the precise cause of the accident and assess the full extent of the damage.
The incident comes amid a period of heightened avalanche risk across the Alps, following a period of heavy snowfall. Authorities had issued warnings last week regarding the increased danger, particularly in the Valais canton. Recent days have also seen several fatalities in the French Alps involving off-piste skiers caught in avalanches, including two British citizens.
The Frutigen-Brig line, on which the train was travelling, has been suspended until at least to allow for a thorough inspection of the tracks and surrounding area. Emergency crews are continuing to secure the site and provide assistance to those affected.
The Swiss Alps are a major transportation corridor, and the BLS line is a key route connecting the Swiss plateau with the southern canton of Valais and beyond. Disruptions to this line can have significant implications for both passenger and freight traffic.
While avalanches are a natural hazard in mountainous regions, the incident raises questions about the effectiveness of existing preventative measures and the potential impact of climate change on avalanche frequency and intensity. The Valais canton, in particular, is prone to avalanches due to its steep terrain and heavy snowfall.
The derailment is also likely to prompt a review of safety protocols for train operations in avalanche-prone areas. This may include enhanced monitoring of snow conditions, improved avalanche control measures, and the implementation of stricter speed limits during periods of high risk.
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with transportation infrastructure in mountainous environments and the importance of ongoing investment in safety and resilience. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) regularly conducts risk assessments and implements mitigation measures to minimize the threat of avalanches, but the latest derailment demonstrates that these risks cannot be entirely eliminated.
The focus now is on ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by the derailment and restoring normal service on the Frutigen-Brig line as quickly as possible. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation progresses and the full extent of the damage becomes clear.
The Swiss Alps, a popular destination for winter sports and tourism, rely heavily on a robust and reliable transportation network. Incidents like this can have a significant impact on the region’s economy and reputation, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and investment in infrastructure safety.
