A regional train operated by Swiss operator BLS derailed on Monday morning near Goppenstein in the canton of Valais after an avalanche hit the railway line. According to local authorities, several people are reported injured and rail traffic in the area has been suspended.
The train had left Spiez at 6:12 a.m. and was heading for Brig. The derailment occurred around 7:00 a.m. in the Stockgraben area. There were approximately 80 passengers on board.
Emergency response and evacuation
The Valais cantonal police confirmed that an emergency response was underway and that there were “several injuries,” without providing an official toll at this time.
Operator BLS said the train derailed “due to an avalanche that came down in the Stockgraben area” and that passengers were being evacuated. It is not yet clear whether the train was hit directly by the snow or whether the tracks were affected before the train passed.
Images from the area show heavy snowfall during the night.
Traffic suspended on the Frutigen–Brig line
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) announced the suspension of traffic on the Frutigen–Brig line between Goppenstein and Brig. The restrictions will remain in place until at least 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
RE1 regional trains are affected, and passengers should expect delays and cancellations.
The authorities have provided alternative routes, including:
- diversion of passengers between Spiez and Brig via Visp;
- bus services between several stations, including Hohtenn–Gampel-Steg, Lalden–Brig, Eggerberg–Visp, and Goppenstein–Gampel-Steg.
Second avalanche in less than a week
The incident comes just four days after another avalanche in the same area, which temporarily isolated the Lötschental valley and led to the suspension of car transport by train for several hours. At the time, authorities described the situation as an “extreme event.”
Investigations into the exact circumstances of the derailment are ongoing.
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