Authorities are investigating after an avalanche likely caused a Swiss regional train to derail near Goppenstein, injuring five and halting services.
At least five people were injured after a regional train derailed in the Swiss Alps in inclement weather on Monday morning, authorities said.
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The accident near the town of Goppenstein occurred as the region was under its second-highest avalanche warning, level 4 out of 5.
The train was en route between Goppenstein and Hohtenn, derailing at around 7 am with 29 people on board, the Valais cantonal police stated in a press release.
"According to the initial elements of the investigation, an avalanche could have crossed the railway shortly before the convoy passed," the police said.
Authorities said one of the injured was evacuated to Sion Hospital, while the four others were treated on-site by emergency services.
The federal train operator CFF published on its website that rail traffic on the Frutigen-Brig line is interrupted between Goppenstein and Brig, citing an avalanche as the cause.
Goppenstein, a key loading and unloading hub for road and rail transport, is located at the exit of the Lotschberg rail tunnel at 1,216 meters above sea level. The village has been under heavy snowfall, according to reports.
The Swiss public prosecutor has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of the accident.
A previous avalanche on Thursday morning at Goppenstein disturbed rail and road traffic, without causing any injuries or damage, the police said.
Switzerland is renowned for its extensive and punctual rail network, with frequent services between cities, towns and even villages.
Rail enthusiasts come from all over the world to ride on some of the most picturesque routes or those with exceptionally steep climbs.
The Swiss are the heaviest rail users in Europe in terms of kilometres travelled per person, but accidents have fallen in recent decades even as use grows, according to government statistics.
Fifteen people were wounded when two trains derailed some 20 minutes apart during a storm near the capital Bern in 2023.