Dozens injured in Czech train collision

Around 40 people were injured when an express train and a local passenger service collided on Thursday morning in the southern Czech Republic, emergency services said.

An express train and a local passenger service collided in the southern Czech Republic, injuring around 40 people and prompting a major rescue operation.

Photo: Czech Fire Rescue Department

Two people were seriously hurt, while most of the remaining victims suffered minor to moderate injuries.

The crash occurred at around 6:20 a.m. between the towns of Dívčice and Zliv in the South Bohemian region.

Emergency officials said all passengers were evacuated, and seven helicopters were deployed as part of the rescue operation. Most of the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.

Both trains were operated by Czech Railways: the R 658 express service from České Budějovice to Plzeň and the Os 8053 local service running toward České Budějovice.

Investigators are working to determine the cause. Czech media reported that the express train may have passed a stop signal, though authorities have not confirmed this. Police said both drivers tested sober.

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Source: Polish Radio/PAP/Facebook.com/HZS Jihočeského kraje