Avalanche causes train derailment in Swiss Alps, rescue operation underway

A perilous rescue operation is underway after a passenger train derailed near the village of Goppenstein in the Swiss Alps this morning. The train, carrying 80 passengers, departed from Brig at approximately 6:12 a.m. before derailing following an avalanche in the area, Metro reports.

Police confirmed the incident, stating: “Train derailment, likely with injuries, response underway, more information to follow.”

The Swiss Railway Company Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon (BLS) reported that the derailment occurred due to an avalanche in the Stockgraben area, adding: “The train derailed due to an avalanche that came down in the Stockgraben area. The passengers will be evacuated shortly.”

Heavy snowfall is believed to have triggered the avalanche, and other train lines in the region have been suspended until at least 4 p.m., according to 20 Minuten.

The number of injured passengers remains unclear, though local media have reported that several people sustained injuries.

This incident comes just five days after another avalanche in the same region cut off a local valley from the outside world, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by severe winter conditions in the Swiss Alps.

By Vafa Guliyeva