Two trains collided near České Budějovice, injuring dozens, with five seriously hurt. Czech Railways confirmed the crash during rush hour, halting rail traffic.
Two trains collided near České Budějovice on Wednesday morning, leaving five people seriously injured and dozens more with minor injuries.
The R 658 express train struck the Os 8053 passenger train between Zliví and Dívčice stations around 6:20 am, forcing authorities to halt rail traffic on the line and arrange replacement bus services.
Czech Railways confirmed the collision involved two of its trains during morning rush hour, when services typically carry commuters heading to work.
Seven rescue crews and a helicopter responded to the accident scene. České Budějovice hospital received five seriously injured passengers, according to spokeswoman Iva Nováková in a statement to Czech media.
Emergency services initially reported two seriously injured and 42 with minor injuries before updating the figures.
Investigation launched into cause
Railway investigators have arrived at the crash site to determine what caused the collision.
Jan Kučera, Inspector General of the Railway Inspection, said four inspectors are examining whether the incident resulted from human error, technical failure or systemic issues.
"The point is to find out what caused this extraordinary event," Kučera told national broadcaster ČT24.
One railway inspector happened to be travelling on the train during his commute from České Budějovice to Pilsen and was able to immediately assist with rescue efforts, Kučera added.
Czech media reported that one driver may have run a signal prohibiting travel, with both trains allegedly spotting each other from several hundred metres away but unable to stop in time.
The railway line remains closed pending completion of the investigation and cleanup operations.
The accident is the latest in a string of railway-related incidents in central Europe in recent days.
On Sunday evening, 13 people were hospitalised after a train collision in neighbouring Slovakia. An investigation into the incident — the second in one month -- is ongoing.
On 13 October, two fast trains collided in eastern Slovakia, injuring dozens of passengers, including two who were in a critical condition.
In Poland, authorities said on Tuesday that Russian intelligence services orchestrated an explosion on a railway line used to transport aid to Ukraine, carried out by two Ukrainian nationals working as their agents.