Rescue helicopters scramble after early-morning crash near Goppenstein leaves passengers trapped.
A passenger train carrying approximately 80 people derailed early Monday after being struck by an avalanche in southern Switzerland, authorities confirmed.
The accident occurred near Goppenstein in the mountainous Valais canton at around 7:00 a.m. local time. Regional police described the derailment as “probably with injuries,” as emergency services rushed to secure the area and assist passengers.
The train, operated by BLS AG, had departed from Spiez at approximately 6:12 a.m. and was traveling south toward Brig when the avalanche struck near the Stockgraben avalanche path.A passenger train carrying approximately 80 people derailed early Monday after being struck by an avalanche in southern Switzerland, authorities confirmed.
The accident occurred near Goppenstein in the mountainous Valais canton at around 7:00 a.m. local time. Regional police described the derailment as “probably with injuries,” as emergency services rushed to secure the area and assist passengers.
The train, operated by BLS AG, had departed from Spiez at approximately 6:12 a.m. and was traveling south toward Brig when the avalanche struck near the Stockgraben avalanche path.
Rescue teams, ambulances, and helicopters were deployed immediately. By mid-morning, around 30 passengers had been evacuated from derailed carriages. Authorities warned that additional injuries were possible as operations continued.
Rail services between Goppenstein and Brig were suspended and are not expected to resume before Tuesday while crews clear debris and inspect track stability.
Local police issued a brief update stating that the situation remains active, with further details to follow as investigations progress.
High Avalanche Risk in the Alps
The affected region is known for heavy snowfall and steep alpine terrain, making it particularly vulnerable to avalanches during winter months. Avalanche warnings had been elevated in parts of the Alps in recent days, with authorities cautioning about heightened risk conditions.
Emergency officials are working to evacuate all remaining passengers and assess the full scope of injuries. No confirmed casualty figures have yet been released.
Ongoing Investigation
The derailment adds to a series of winter incidents across the Alpine region, where avalanches have triggered search-and-rescue operations in multiple countries this season.
Authorities will now examine weather conditions, avalanche monitoring systems, and rail safety protocols to determine the precise cause and evaluate preventive measures moving forward.
