Slovakia: A serious rail accident shook eastern Slovakia on Monday morning when two trains collided near the village of Jablonov nad Turnou, approximately 55 kilometers west of Kosice, the region’s largest city. The crash left at least 66 passengers injured, prompting a swift emergency response from local authorities.
According to Slovak police, the collision occurred just after 10:00 a.m. local time at a junction where the tracks converge into a single line. The impact caused one locomotive and a carriage to derail, tumbling down the side of a hill. Reports indicate that around 80 people were on board the two trains at the time of the accident.
Emergency services, including ambulances and medical helicopters, rushed to the scene to provide immediate care. Nearby hospitals activated trauma response plans to manage the influx of injured passengers. Among the wounded, 16 sustained moderates to serious injuries, while the remaining 50 were treated for minor injuries. Authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities.
Slovak Railways has announced that a full investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Police released footage showing the wreckage, highlighting the force of the collision and the subsequent damage to the trains. Officials emphasized that determining the exact cause of the incident is a top priority.
This accident underscores the ongoing need for stringent railway safety protocols and regular maintenance checks. Authorities have assured the public that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, as the investigation continues.