4 Killed, Several Injured After Trains Collide In Czech Republic
The accident took place near the main train station in Pardubice, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the capital Prague.
At least four people were killed and dozens sustained injuries after an express train crashed with a freight train in the Czech city of Pardubice late Wednesday, news agency AFP reported, citing an emergency services spokesperson.
Speaking to broadcaster Czech TV, local emergency spokeswoman Alena Kisiala said, "I can confirm that four people suffered injuries incompatible with life.” Earlier, it was announced that two people had died in the incident.
The accident took place before 2100 GMT near the main train station in Pardubice, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the capital Prague, AFP reported, citing Czech TV.
The train had been carrying more than 300 passengers, many of whom were foreigners, it further stated. The train was operated by the private Regiojet company. According to AFP, it was heading to the western Ukrainian town of Chop, close to the border with Slovakia.
According to the timetable, the train leaving Prague at 1952 GMT was due to leave Pardubice at 2047 GMT. It was expected in Chop at 0835 GMT on Thursday after crossing Slovakia.
Czech TV footage showed that one of the carriages had derailed and that passengers were being ushered into buses near the Pardubice main station. Speaking to Czech TV, local fire brigade spokeswoman Vendula Horakova said that the freight train was transporting calcium carbide.
Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala Offers Condolences
Following the train collision incident, Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala took to X and offered condolences, saying the crash was “a great disaster” and that “we all think of the victims and the injured.”
On Thursday, the interior and transport ministers arrived at the site, as reported by the Guardian. Interior minister Vit Rakusan stated that most of the injuries were light and that the passengers had been evacuated into the train station building. Rakusan also said that the police were identifying the passengers gathered at the train station after the operator, Regiojet, had provided the passenger list.
According to rescuers, nine ambulance vans, two helicopters, and more than 60 firefighters, both professional and voluntary, had been deployed, the Guardian reported. Speaking to reporters at the site, firefighter Pavel Ber said, “The rescue work was complicated because the first carriage was deformed. That made it hard to access the injured people,” as quoted by The Guardian.
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