At least 66 people were injured after two passenger trains collided in eastern Slovakia on Monday morning. The crash took place near the village of Jablonov nad Turnou, around 55 kilometers west of the city of Košice.
According to local authorities, the accident occurred shortly after 10 a.m. local time when two trains traveling in opposite directions collided near a tunnel on a section where double tracks merge into a single line. The impact caused one locomotive and a carriage to derail, leaving behind twisted metal and debris scattered along the track.
Rescue teams and emergency medical units arrived at the scene within minutes. Officials confirmed that 16 people sustained moderate to serious injuries, while about 50 others suffered minor wounds. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported in the incident. Around 80 passengers were on board the two trains at the time of the collision.
Photos from the site showed mangled carriages and damaged train engines lying on a slope beside the tracks. Passengers were seen being carried away on stretchers, while firefighters and rescue workers worked to free those trapped inside the compartments.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Early reports suggest that human error or signaling issues could have played a role. Slovakia’s transport minister has ordered a detailed safety review of the nation’s railway operations following the crash.
Rail services in the affected area have been temporarily suspended as recovery operations continue. Passengers traveling through the region are being advised to expect delays and diversions until the tracks are cleared and made safe again.
The Slovak government expressed relief that no lives were lost and promised compensation and medical support to the injured passengers.
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