Goppenstein, Switzerland – A train carrying about 80 passengers derailed Monday morning after an avalanche swept across the tracks in the Swiss Alps, triggering a large-scale rescue response.
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. local time as the train was traveling southbound through a mountainous region. Authorities said multiple rail cars were forced off the tracks after an avalanche came down in a narrow alpine corridor.
Emergency crews, including ambulances and rescue helicopters, were dispatched to the remote scene as officials warned injuries were likely. By shortly after 10 a.m., at least 30 passengers had been evacuated from the train. The total number of injuries has not yet been confirmed.
It remains unclear whether the avalanche directly struck the train or whether snow and debris on the tracks caused the derailment.
The train had departed earlier that morning and was en route along a well-traveled mountain rail line connecting communities through the Alps. Rail officials suspended service on the affected route until at least Tuesday as crews assess damage and clear snow from the area.
The derailment follows recent warnings from Swiss avalanche monitors, who had raised the danger level to 4 out of 5 after heavy snowfall and strong winds created unstable snowpack conditions.
Rescue operations were ongoing late Monday morning as crews worked in challenging winter terrain to account for all passengers.
