Trains Collide In Switzerland: Driver’s Body Recovered


Two trains collided in Switzerland, injuring 35 and killing one of the drivers. Five passengers’ injuries are considered serious.

The collision happened in the town of Vaud, just outside the Granges-près-Marnaud station. The trains hit head on. However, they were traveling at a slow rate of speed, which prevented more injuries.

As reported by UPI, Jean-Christophe Sauterel with the Vaud Police explains:

“These are regional trains… The speeds are a little lower and even if one deeply regrets the likely loss of life of one person as well as five serious injuries, the situation could have been much more catastrophic.”

The train is usually used as regional transportation, all passengers were local residents.

Rescue workers were tasked with separating the trains, and sifting through the wreckage. The body of one of the drivers was recovered. However, his identity will not be confirmed until an autopsy is performed. The driver was reportedly 24 years old.

Medical personnel responded to the scene, treating and releasing the injured on site. Twenty-five passengers were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Eleven passengers were unharmed in the collision.

Authorities are still in the process of investigating why the trains collided. Switzerland railway officials have stated that the tracks will remain closed pending cleanup and investigation.

One of the trains was on the way to Lausanne, while the other had just left. Both trains were traveling on the same track.

As reported by CNN, police explain that one of the trains obviously left the station without waiting for the other to arrive. As this is not standard procedure, officials are exploring a technical failure.

The surviving driver reports that as soon as he saw the other train, he applied the emergency brake. Unfortunately, his effort to stop was too late.

Although the trains collided in Switzerland, most passengers were spared serious injury. Government officials have expressed their regrets to those injured and their families.

[Image via Flickr]

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