Slovakia: Over 60 injured as trains collide between Bratislava, Pezinok

More than 60 people were injured late on November 9 after two passenger trains collided between Bratislava and Pezinok, in what authorities believe was caused by one of the trains passing a red signal.

The accident occurred when the REX 1814 service from Nitra to Bratislava collided with the Ex 620 express train shortly after leaving Pezinok station, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to police, the express train struck the rear of the regional service. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, though dozens of passengers sustained injuries ranging from light to serious.

Eighteen injured passengers were taken to four hospitals within the University Hospital network, while three others were transported to Bory Hospital, health authorities confirmed. By midnight, the total number of those requiring medical attention had risen to more than 60, with two passengers undergoing surgery.

Railway traffic in the area was temporarily suspended following the crash. Later in the evening, investigators authorised limited train movement between Pezinok and Svätý Jur, with a maximum speed of 10 kilometres per hour. Full operations are expected to resume gradually due to the damage and the complexity of the terrain, said railway company spokesman Ján Baček.

Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying 12 ambulances, two fire service units and two evacuation buses to the site. Both train drivers underwent alcohol and drug tests, which returned negative results, police spokeswoman Silvia Šimková confirmed. The precise cause of the collision remains under investigation.

President Peter Pellegrini called for a thorough inquiry, urging that public trust in the safety of rail transport be maintained.

By Aghakazim Guliyev