Avalanche derails Swiss passenger train with 80 on board, casualties feared: What we know so far

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A passenger train with about 80 people derailed after being hit by an avalanche near Goppenstein, Switzerland. Rescue teams evacuated 30 passengers, with injuries feared. Rail services are suspended as emergency operations and investigations continue.

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A passenger train carrying around 80 people derailed early on Monday after being struck by an avalanche in southern Switzerland, authorities said, raising fears of injuries as rescue teams rushed to the scene.

The incident occurred near Goppenstein in the mountainous Valais canton at about 7.00 am local time. Police described the derailment as “probably with injuries” and said emergency response efforts were ongoing as more information became available.

Regional police confirmed that rescue teams, including ambulances and helicopters, were deployed to assist passengers and evacuate those affected. By mid-morning, around 30 passengers had been evacuated from the derailed carriages, but authorities cautioned that several people could be hurt as the situation continued to unfold.

A spokesperson for Swiss rail operator BLS AG told reporters the avalanche struck the train as it travelled on the line between Spiez and Brig, derailing it near the avalanche path in the Stockgraben area. The train had departed from Spiez at about 6.12 am and was heading south toward Brig when the accident occurred, according to media reports.

Rail services between Goppenstein and Brig have been suspended and are not expected to resume until at least Tuesday as crews clear debris and assess the track for safety, the rail operator said.

Local police issued a brief update on social media stating “Derailment of train, probably with injuries, operation ongoing,” adding that more details would be shared as investigations continued.

The area where the derailment happened is prone to avalanches during winter due to heavy snowfall and steep alpine terrain. Avalanche warnings have been elevated in parts of the Alps, and authorities had stressed heightened risk in recent days ahead of the accident.

Emergency teams are working to evacuate all passengers safely and determine the full extent of injuries. Officials have not yet released confirmed numbers of those hurt or killed, and rescue operations are expected to continue throughout the day.

This dramatic derailment is one of several serious incidents in the region this winter, as avalanches have also struck other parts of the Alps, causing casualties and prompting search and rescue missions in neighbouring countries.