At least 4 people killed in Czech train crash

PRAGUE – A tragic collision between a passenger train and a freight train in the Czech Republic has left at least four people dead and 27 others injured. The incident occurred late Wednesday night in the city of Pardubice, about 100 kilometers east of Prague.

Interior Minister Vít Rakušan confirmed that the high-speed passenger train, operated by the private company RegioJet, was on its way to the city of Kosice in eastern Slovakia and then to Chop in Ukraine when the collision occurred. Thankfully, none of the injured individuals are in life-threatening condition.

Among the casualties were two Ukrainian women, as reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry. An official from the Consulate of Ukraine in Brno is on-site, coordinating with rescue and law enforcement agencies.

Both train drivers survived the crash, according to local news sources. The Transport Minister, Martin Kupka, announced the closure of the main track between Prague and the eastern part of the country for investigation. The route was partially reopened nine hours later, with Czech Railways advising passengers to avoid using it for the entire day.

The corridor in Pardubice where the collision took place is crucial for Czech Railways, making the incident even more impactful. Martin Drápal, a spokesperson for the agency investigating train crashes, revealed that the passenger train failed to stop at a designated sign. The cause of this failure is yet to be determined, whether it was due to human error or a technical malfunction.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, calling the crash a significant tragedy. RegioJet’s owner, Radim Jančura, also offered his sympathies and assured that the company is prepared to compensate the affected passengers.

As authorities continue to investigate the collision, the community mourns the lives lost and hopes for a swift recovery for the injured. The aftermath of this devastating event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in the transportation sector.