Czech train heading to Ukraine collides with a freight train: many dead and injured
6 June 2024 09:19
ВІДЕО
In the Czech city of Pardubice, a RegioJet 1021 passenger train bound for Chop in Ukraine collided with a ČD Cargo freight train. The accident killed four people and injured dozens, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports, citing iDNES.
Among the dozens of victims were children.
The report states that the accident occurred near the new Pardubice station.
According to firefighters, about 300 people were travelling on the RegioJet express.
According to photos and videos posted on social media, the trains collided head-on. The first carriage was completely destroyed. The freight train had 21 cars and was more than half a kilometre long.
Helicopters were involved in the rescue operation: the first arrived at around 11:30 local time, the next one an hour later.
It was reported that 36 units of professional firefighters and volunteers were working at the site of the collision.
The railway inspection is investigating the collision.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed his condolences to all the victims.
“The railway accident is a great misfortune. We are all thinking about the victims and the injured. I express my sincere condolences,”
– prime Minister Petr Fiala said on X network.
The press service of Ukrzaliznytsia reported that the trailer cars carrying RejioJet passengers to Chop are inside the train and, according to preliminary information, there are no dead or seriously injured passengers to Chop.
“Ukrzaliznytsia” is in contact with the Czech operator to provide maximum assistance to passengers with further transfers,”
– uZ said in a statement.
The company notes that the RegioJet train Prague-Premierzl, from which most passengers transfer to trains to Ukraine, is expected to be delayed.
