Holesov, June 5 – A collision between a lorry and a passenger train in Holesov, near Kromeriz, resulted in nine injuries this morning. The passenger train, carrying 50 people, derailed after crashing into a lorry at a level crossing on the road leading to an industrial zone. While most injuries were minor, all those injured were taken to the hospital, according to Gabriela Netopilova Slustikova, a spokeswoman for the regional emergency service.

Among the injured were the lorry driver and two children. The train driver was also reported to have sustained injuries in the accident, as confirmed by police spokesman Radomir Siska. Fortunately, both the lorry and train drivers tested negative for alcohol, indicating that intoxication was not a contributing factor.

Emergency response teams dispatched five crews to the accident scene, providing necessary assistance. Initially, the emergency service reported ten injured individuals, but the number was later revised to nine, including two children aged 15 and 13.

The estimated damage to the train and the rail line is approximately CZK 2.5 million, as stated by Martin Drapal, a spokesperson for the Rail Safety Inspection (DI). Currently, the regional line between Holesov and Bystrice pod Hostynem in the Kromeriz area is disrupted, and replacement buses have been arranged by Czech Railways (CD) to mitigate the impact on commuters. Trains are not expected to resume operation before 3 pm, according to Railway Administration spokesman Jan Nevola. The force of the collision was severe, causing significant derailment.

The cause of the accident is suspected to be the lorry driver’s inattention, though investigations are ongoing, said Nevola. Firefighters, who also responded to the scene, have issued the second level of fire alarm due to the incident. Uninjured passengers were evacuated from the site and transported to another train station via a dedicated bus.

Efforts are underway to contain the leaked operating fluids from the lorry, with firefighters utilizing sorbent materials to prevent further leakage. Additionally, measures have been taken to secure the derailed train to prevent any further movement.

Rail safety inspectors are currently at the scene, conducting an investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision. The accident occurred shortly before 7:15 am, and the authorities are working diligently to determine the cause and prevent future incidents of this nature.

Article by Prague Forum