Nové Zámky, Slovakia — A tragic collision at a railway crossing in southern Slovakia resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals and injuries to five others when a passenger train and a bus collided. The disaster occurred late Wednesday afternoon near the town of Nové Zámky, involving a train en route from Prague to Budapest.
Rescue officials reported that the crash happened shortly after 5 p.m. local time, under conditions where the railway crossing was equipped with barriers and light signals. Early reports indicate that both vehicles were significantly damaged upon impact.
Vladimira Bahylova, a spokesperson for the railway, stated that the train’s driver sustained burns due to a fire that erupted in the locomotive following the collision. Emergency response teams swiftly arrived at the scene, addressing the fires and providing crucial medical attention to the victims.
According to Petra Klimesova, a spokesperson for the emergency services, the injured were quickly attended to by medical teams due to the severity of their conditions. “Given the extent of the collision, the death toll may still rise,” Klimesova noted with concern.
Witnesses provided harrowing accounts of the incident moments after it occurred. Katarina Molnarova, a passenger on the train and a resident of Sturovo, recalled hearing a loud crash and bang as the train departed from Nové Zámky station. “We managed to evacuate. The front of the train was engulfed in flames, but thankfully there was no panic among the passengers,” she shared.
Images and videos from the scene showed thick smoke billowing from the train and passengers, carrying their belongings, attempting to distance themselves from the fiery wreckage.
Officials from the transport ministry and law enforcement agencies have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to assess any potential oversights concerning railway safety measures.
Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok and Deputy Police Chief Rastislav Polakovic were reported to be en route to the scene shortly after the incident was reported, signaling the serious nature of the crash and the government’s commitment to thoroughly investigate and respond to this tragic event.
The community around Nové Zámky has shown an outpouring of support for the victims and their families as they grapple with the aftermath of the collision. Local authorities are coordinating with national agencies to provide assistance and facilitate the ongoing recovery operations.
This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of rail crossings, prompting calls for enhanced measures and strict adherence to traffic regulations to prevent future incidents. The government has pledged to review and improve safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all commuters in Slovakia.