A passenger train derailed in the canton of Valais, located in southwestern Switzerland, resulting in several injuries.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing information released by local police on their X social media account, that the incident was recorded near the Goppenstein station.
According to preliminary reports, emergency medical services and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene. Local authorities suggest that the derailment may have been caused by an avalanche hitting the tracks in the mountainous area. At the time of the accident, approximately 80 passengers were estimated to be on board. Rescue operations are currently ongoing, and the exact number of injured individuals is being determined.
The canton of Valais is known for its rugged Alpine terrain and is a frequent destination for winter sports and international transit. Rail safety in Switzerland is generally regarded as among the highest in Europe; however, the region's steep topography makes it susceptible to natural occurrences such as landslides and avalanches, particularly during the winter season. Goppenstein serves as a critical point on the Lötschberg line, one of the country's most important railway arteries connecting the northern and southern regions through the Alps.