A passenger train has derailed in Switzerland after being struck by a massive avalanche, with several injuries feared among the roughly 80 people on board. The incident occurred around 7am local time near Goppenstein in the canton of Valais, prompting an ongoing emergency response as rescue teams rush to the scene.
The RE1 train, which had departed from Brig at 6.12am, is believed to have derailed in the Stockgrabe area between Goppenstein and Hohtenn. This rugged stretch of track winds through the mountainous terrain of Valais, where avalanches pose a significant hazard during winter months.
Emergency services were immediately mobilized following reports of the derailment, with fears mounting over the condition of passengers trapped in the wreckage. The avalanche, described as huge in scale, is thought to have directly caused the train to leave the rails, scattering carriages in a dramatic crash.
Among the approximately 80 passengers aboard, the extent of injuries remains unclear as rescue operations continue. Authorities have not yet released specific details on the number of casualties or the severity of harm, but the situation is being treated as critical.
The affected route between Goppenstein and Hohtenn is a key line in the region, illustrating the perilous path through avalanche-prone valleys. Officials are working to secure the area amid concerns of further slides, complicating access for emergency personnel.
As the emergency unfolds, updates are being closely followed, with transportation authorities likely to provide more information on the cause and impact. The derailment underscores the risks faced by rail services in Switzerland's alpine regions during adverse weather.
