Avalanche Derails Swiss Passenger Train Near Goppenstein, Injuries Reported
A passenger train was derailed early Monday morning after being struck by an avalanche near the Swiss village of Goppenstein in the canton of Valais, southwest Switzerland. Police indicated that the incident likely resulted in injuries, though the full extent remains unclear as rescue operations continue.
Timeline and Location of the Incident
The derailment occurred at approximately 7:00 AM local time. Authorities in Valais confirmed on social media platform X that emergency services were deployed immediately to the scene. According to Swiss Federal Railways, the accident was triggered by an avalanche that hit the train along the RE1 line, which runs between Bern and Brig.
Regional rail operator BLS specified that the incident took place in the Stockgraben Tunnel between Goppenstein and Hohtenn, beyond the Lötschberg Tunnel, a key rail corridor through the Alps. The affected service was a RegioExpress train that had departed Spiez at around 6:12 AM and was heading south toward Brig when the avalanche struck.
Passenger Evacuation and Emergency Response
BLS reported that approximately 30 passengers were on board at the time of the derailment. Emergency response teams, including ambulances and helicopters, were dispatched to the scene to assist passengers and assess potential injuries. By mid-morning, dozens of passengers had been evacuated from the train carriages.
Authorities have not released confirmed numbers of those injured, and investigations are ongoing. Rescue efforts will continue throughout the day as teams ensure all passengers are safely evacuated and assess the effects of the derailment.
Service Disruptions and Weather Conditions
Train services between Goppenstein and Brig have been suspended, with disruptions expected to last at least until late afternoon. Delays and cancellations are anticipated on the affected routes, according to rail officials.
The Valais region has experienced new snowfall and strong winds in recent days, leading to heavy snow drifts. As the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF explains, in such conditions, the risk of avalanches is high. They can be easily triggered or occur spontaneously.
Avalanche Risk in the Region
The Goppenstein area is notorious for avalanches during the winter season. The region's topography, characterized by high alpine slopes and significant snowfall, makes it particularly susceptible to avalanches. Prior to the accident, high avalanche warnings had been issued in the Swiss Alps.
Further updates will be provided once authorities complete their safety checks and gather more information about the incident. The ongoing rescue operations underscore the challenges posed by severe winter weather in alpine regions.
