At least 18 people were injured, five critically, when two trains collided head-on near Hillerød, Denmark, on Thursday morning. The crash occurred at a level crossing on the Gribskov line, approximately 19 miles north-west of Copenhagen, just before 6.30am.
Emergency services reported that both trains were travelling at speed, though exact speeds have not been confirmed. Photographs from the scene show one train substantially crushed at the front. All 37 passengers were evacuated, and a military helicopter transported the most seriously 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 established in Hillerød for passengers and relatives.
Lokaltog, the operator of the line, confirmed that employees were among the injured. Safety director Claus René Pedersson said the collision 'should not be possible' given the signalling systems and driver training. The accident investigation board is examining technical issues, signal errors, and human factors.
