At least 18 people were injured, five critically, when two local trains collided head-on near Hillerød, about 19 miles north-west of Copenhagen, on Thursday morning. The crash occurred at a level crossing on the Gribskov line just before 6.30am.
Emergency services reported that the trains were travelling at high speed, though exact speeds are not yet known. Photographs from the scene showed one train substantially crushed at the front. All 37 passengers were evacuated, and a military helicopter assisted in transporting the injured to hospital.
Acting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her shock, stating she was 'very moved by the terrible train accident'. The Swedish prime minister offered assistance, but Danish police declined. A crisis centre was set up in Hillerød for passengers and relatives.
Investigations are under way to determine the cause. North Zealand police said it was too early to comment on signal errors, while the accident investigation board is examining technical issues and human factors. Claus René Pedersson, safety director at operator Lokaltog, said a head-on collision 'should not be possible' and that the company is working to understand how it happened.
