Avalanche Derails RegioExpress Train In Swiss Alps’ Goppenstein, 5 Injured; Services Disrupted Until 4 PM
A passenger train derailed in the Swiss Alps after being struck by an avalanche, leaving at least five people injured. Valais Police reported in a social media post that the train derailed in the village of Goppenstein at approximately 7 am local time, prompting an immediate response with injuries described as “likely.” Officials subsequently confirmed that five people sustained injuries in the incident. One person was transported to hospital for treatment, while the remaining passengers aboard the regional train were safely evacuated from Goppenstein.
The derailment occurred while the region was operating under the second-highest avalanche warning level.
Swiss Federal Railways stated on its website that the accident was caused by an avalanche. The train involved was a RegioExpress service that had departed from Spiez at 6:12 am. The Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon (BLS), the train company operating the service, reported that 29 passengers were on board when the derailment took place.
Rail services between Goppenstein and Brig in canton Valais have been suspended until 4 PM. Additional delays and train cancellations are anticipated as a result of the incident.