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Avalanche Derails Swiss Train Near Goppenstein, Injuring Five and Halting Service Between Goppenstein and Brig

Authorities say avalanche activity triggered the crash under a high regional warning level.

Overview

  • Valais police reported 29 people on board, with five injured, one taken to hospital in Sion and the rest evacuated safely.
  • The derailment occurred around 7:00 a.m. near the Stockgraben/Stockgalerie area as the train exited a tunnel, and officials say it remains unclear whether the slide struck the train directly or crossed the tracks moments before.
  • Swiss Federal Railways suspended traffic on the FrutigenBrig line between Goppenstein and Brig, with operations still halted as authorities assess conditions.
  • The Valais public prosecutor opened an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, which police linked to avalanche activity.
  • Avalanche danger was at level 4 at the time of the crash, and Swiss monitors raised parts of the southwest to the maximum level 5 on Tuesday, prompting evacuations in Orsières.