Switzerland: Several people were injured after an avalanche crashed into a passenger train and caused it to derail near Goppenstein in southern Switzerland on Monday morning, authorities said, according to a Hindustan Times report.
The incident occurred at around 7 a.m. local time in the canton of Valais, according to regional police. Officials said the train derailed after being struck by an avalanche in the Stockgraben area. The exact number of those injured and the severity of their injuries were not immediately confirmed
.
Around 80 passengers were on board the train at the time of the accident. Emergency services rushed to the site and launched rescue operations, working to evacuate passengers and provide medical assistance to those affected. “Derailment of train, probably with injuries,” regional police said in a post on X.
Valais police confirmed the derailment in a post on social media, stating that several people were believed to be injured. Rescue teams remained on the scene through the morning.
The Swiss Federal Railways (CFF/SBB) said rail traffic on the Frutigen–Brig line, including the section between Goppenstein and Brig, has been suspended due to the incident. Services are expected to remain disrupted until rescue and clearance operations are completed.
Heavy snowfall in the region is believed to have contributed to the avalanche. Authorities have not yet released further details as investigations into the incident continue.