GOppenstein, Switzerland — A regional commuter train derailed in southern Switzerland on Monday morning amid extreme weather conditions, leaving five passengers injured and prompting a major emergency response. The incident occurred as the mountainous region remained under a Level 4 avalanche alert—the second-highest danger rating.
According to local police, preliminary investigations suggest an avalanche crossed the railway tracks moments before the train’s passage. The public prosecutor’s office has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.
The train, carrying 29 passengers at approximately 7:00 AM local time, was exiting the critical Lotschberg rail tunnel—a major transportation artery—when the accident occurred. While one injured passenger required hospitalization, the remaining travelers were successfully evacuated to safety despite continuing avalanche threats and heavy snowfall in the area.
Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) confirmed the immediate suspension of all rail services between Goppenstein and Brig stations due to avalanche risks. The village of Goppenstein, situated at 1,216 meters elevation, serves as a vital logistics hub for both road and rail transport through the Alpine region.
This incident follows another avalanche event last Thursday that buried portions of the main roadway connecting the Lotschental valley to Goppenstein, though that earlier incident resulted in no injuries.
Separately, Swiss authorities issued evacuation orders for multiple areas within the Orsières municipality due to severe weather patterns, including strong winds and forecasted heavy rainfall.
Switzerland’s rail network, celebrated globally for its precision and extensive coverage through challenging terrain, has seen declining accident rates despite increasing usage. Government statistics confirm the Swiss remain Europe’s most frequent rail users per capita. This incident marks the most significant rail disruption since a 2023 storm caused dual derailments near Bern, injuring fifteen people.