A collision between two passenger trains near České Budějovice, Czech Republic, caused at least 42 injuries early in the morning. The accident occurred around 6:20 a.m. local time, approximately 150 kilometers south of Prague, involving an express train and a passenger train on the České Budějovice–Plzeň line. Regional rescue services reported that 40 individuals suffered minor injuries, while two sustained serious injuries. Emergency services promptly evacuated all passengers from the trains.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the collision, with preliminary reports indicating that one of the trains may have passed a stop signal. Consequently, Czech Railways suspended traffic on the České Budějovice to Plzeň line, expecting to resume services later that afternoon.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of railway accidents in Central Europe. Just days before, on November 16, a collision in Slovakia led to 13 hospitalizations. The Czech Republic has seen significant train accidents in recent years, including a June 2024 head-on collision in Pardubice that resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries.
Authorities are working diligently to enhance railway safety measures in light of these occurrences. As the investigation into the November 20 collision continues, officials are focused on identifying the exact causes to implement necessary precautionary measures aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.
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