Swiss Train Derailed by Avalanche as Severe Weather Prompts Maximum Alert
Switzerland has issued its most severe avalanche warning after heavy snow caused a train to derail in the Valais region, injuring five people. The incident occurred on Monday morning near the village of Goppenstein, where an avalanche struck the tracks, forcing carriages off the rails.
Evacuations and Disruptions Across the Region
In response to the escalating weather threats, authorities have raised the avalanche risk assessment to the maximum Level 5 across large parts of southwestern Switzerland. Dozens of residents in Orsières were ordered to evacuate their homes, with roads and railway lines deemed at risk being closed. Additional evacuations were carried out as a precaution in several areas, including La Fouly, Le Clou, Les Granges, and Ferret, as storms swept through the region, putting numerous properties in danger.
Skiers have been strongly advised to remain on marked slopes and to regularly check avalanche bulletins for updates. The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research highlighted the extreme conditions, warning that large quantities of fresh snow and wind-drifted snow are highly prone to triggering avalanches.
Rescue Operations and Investigation Underway
Mountain rescue teams swiftly responded to the train derailment, successfully evacuating all 29 passengers on board. One individual was transported to a hospital with injuries, while the others were assessed at the scene. Valais police confirmed that the evacuation was completed by midday on Monday, and an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.
A spokesperson for the railway company, Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon (BLS) AG, stated that the derailment was caused by an avalanche that descended in the Stockgraben area. As a result, services on the Frutigen-Brig line have been suspended until at least Tuesday, with additional cancellations in Oberwald due to the ongoing weather risks.
Heightened Avalanche Risks Across the Alps
Swiss monitors had previously warned of a high avalanche risk in Valais following a period of intense snowfall and harsh winds. The White Risk bulletin, cited by the SLF, indicated that numerous very large natural avalanches are expected, with the possibility of extremely large ones occurring. This warning comes amidst the European ski season, which has already seen tragic consequences.
In recent days, at least four skiers have been killed by avalanches in the Alps, including two off-piste skiers in Saint-Agnes and Montgenevre last week, and two more near Saint-Veran earlier this month. According to the European Avalanche Warning Services, at least 66 people have died in avalanches this season, with an average of 100 fatalities occurring annually across Europe.
The derailment occurred as the train emerged from a tunnel during its journey from Spiez to Brig, highlighting the severe impact of the weather conditions on transportation infrastructure. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution.
