Dozens injured after two trains collide in southern Czech Republic
Dozens of passengers were injured early Wednesday after two trains collided near the city of České Budějovice, leaving five people in serious condition and prompting the suspension of rail services along the affected route.
The crash occurred around 6:20 a.m. when the R 658 express train struck the Os 8053 passenger service between the stations of Zliv and Dívčice. The collision happened during the morning rush hour, a period when Czech Railways typically experiences heavy commuter traffic. Rail authorities immediately halted operations on the line and deployed replacement buses.
Emergency services responded with seven rescue teams and a helicopter. The regional hospital in České Budějovice confirmed it admitted five passengers with serious injuries, while dozens of others were treated for minor wounds.
Initial reports listed two serious injuries and 42 minor ones, but officials later updated the numbers as assessments progressed.
Investigation underway
Railway investigators arrived on-site to determine the cause of the collision.
Inspector General Jan Kučera of the Railway Inspection told broadcaster ČT24 that four inspectors are evaluating whether the accident stemmed from human error, a technical malfunction, or wider systemic problems.
One railway inspector was coincidentally commuting on the train at the time of the incident and immediately joined the rescue efforts, Kučera said.
Local media have reported that one of the train drivers may have passed a stop signal. Both trains reportedly saw each other from several hundred metres away but were unable to stop in time.
The railway line remains closed while the investigation and cleanup continue.
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