TL:DR – Avalanche Hits Train in Swiss Alps: Casualties Reported in Valais Crash
- A passenger train derailed near Goppenstein, Valais, due to an avalanche, impacting 80 passengers.
- Police confirm injuries and ongoing rescue operations with 30 individuals evacuated.
- Heavy snowfall has led to service restrictions by Swiss Railway, expected to last until 5.30am tomorrow.
- Recent avalanches in the area have disrupted transport, cutting off local valleys.
- Conditions continue to be perilous in Goppenstein following the avalanche derailment incident.
Valais train derailment: ‘Several casualties’ as avalanche crashes into train in the Swiss Alps | News World
Just days ago, another avalanche struck the area (seen above) (Picture: OFROU)
A perilous rescue operation is underway after a passenger train derailed near a small village in the Swiss Alps this morning.
The train, carrying 80 passengers, departed from Brig around 6.12am before derailing after an avalanche struck near the village of Goppenstein, in Valais, Switzerland.
Police said a response is underway, writing: ‘Train derailment, likely with injuries, response underway, more information to follow.’
30 people have been evacuated so far, according to Police Valais, with helicopters and other rescue equipment on scene.
Swiss Railway Company Bern-Lotschberg-Simplon said service restrictions will remain in place until at least 5.30am tomorrow.
Conditions on the web camera in Goppenstein show heavy snowfall (Picture: BLS)
Heavy snowfall is believed to be behind the avalanche, and other train lines have been suspended until at least 4pm, 20 Minuten reports.
It’s unclear how many people have been injured, but local media have suggested there are several injuries.
Just five days ago, another avalanche was reported in the same area, cutting off a local valley from the outside world.