In a devastating incident in Pardubice, Czech Republic, a collision between an express train and a freight train resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries late Wednesday, according to an emergency services spokesperson. Local emergency spokeswoman Alena Kisiala confirmed that four individuals had sustained injuries incompatible with life, as reported by broadcaster Czech TV.
The collision occurred shortly before 23:00 (2100 GMT) near Pardubice’s main train station, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Prague. The express train, operated by Regiojet, was bound for the western Ukrainian town of Chop and was reportedly carrying over 300 passengers, including many foreigners.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed condolences on social media platform X, describing the crash as “a great disaster” and extending thoughts to the victims and the injured. Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, alongside Transport Minister Martin Kupka, arrived at the site around 01:00 am Thursday (2300 GMT Wednesday) to assess the situation.
Rakusan reported that while most injuries were minor, passengers were evacuated into the train station building. Meanwhile, an investigation into the accident’s cause has been initiated, according to Transport Minister Martin Kupka.
The collision prompted a significant emergency response, with nine ambulance vans, two helicopters, and over 60 firefighters, both professional and voluntary, deployed to the scene. The rescue operation faced challenges due to the deformation of the first carriage, hindering access to injured passengers, as stated by firefighter Pavel Ber.
Furthermore, local fire brigade spokeswoman Vendula Horakova revealed that the freight train was transporting calcium carbide, adding complexity to the situation. The main train corridor connecting Prague with Brno and Ostrava will remain closed for several hours, according to Transport Minister Martin Kupka.
This tragic incident recalls Pardubice’s history, where the deadliest Czech railway accident occurred in 1960, resulting in 118 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries in a head-on collision between two passenger trains.
