Passenger Train Bound for Ukraine Collides with Freight Train in Czech Republic: Four Dead, Several Injured

In the Czech Republic, a passenger train heading to Ukraine's Chop collided with a freight train. Four people were killed and dozens were injured, the Czech Fire Service reports.

"An international express train collided with a freight train near the new Pardubice station at night. Four people were killed and dozens were injured. The police and the medical rescue service of the Pardubice region arrived at the scene," the statement said.

About 380 people were travelling on the express. The freight train was transporting calcium carbide in wagons, but fortunately, the first two wagons were empty, so there was no leakage of the hazardous substance. 

Evacuation buses from HZS Pardubice and HZS Kralove were at the scene of the incident. 

The firefighters also cooperated with the transport company of Pardubice to transport the uninjured people. They were transported to the main railway station in Pardubice. A team of psychologists from HZS and the Czech Police provided first aid on the spot and at the main station, where the uninjured people were transported. The children were presented with Rescue Dragons plush toys to help ease their distress.

Four people have been confirmed as survivors of the railway accident. In addition, 22 people were taken to hospitals in Pardubice, Chrudim and Hradec Králové.

The rescuers stopped the operation at 02:13 and handed over to the firefighters of the Railway Administration, who continued the liquidation work.

The investigation into the cause of the railway accident is ongoing.

It is not yet possible to speculate on the cause, Transport Minister Martin Kupka said. On Thursday, police said they were investigating the accident on suspicion of reckless endangerment. After 8 o'clock, traffic on one track was restored, and trains could not travel on this section for nine hours.