Swiss train derailed by avalanche with multiple casualties feared

Five people were hurt after a regional train derailed in southern Switzerland on Monday morning, reportedly after an avalanche swept across the railway line.

The incident happened at around 7:00am near the village of Goppenstein in the canton of Valais. Authorities believe snow from an avalanche may have crossed the tracks moments before the train passed through the area, forcing several carriages off the rails.

Emergency crews launched a large rescue operation to reach the 29 passengers on board. Eight mountain rescue specialists, two ambulances and a helicopter were deployed to the scene. One passenger was taken to hospital in Sion, while four others received treatment at the site. All passengers were safely evacuated by midday.

The train involved was operated by BLS AG and was travelling on the Frutigen–Brig route. The derailment occurred between Goppenstein and Hohtenn as the train exited a tunnel on its southbound journey from Spiez to Brig.

A company spokesperson told Swiss outlet 20 Minuten that the derailment was caused by an avalanche in the Stockgraben area. Rail services on the line were suspended until at least the following morning as snow continued to cover the tracks and emergency teams secured the scene.

The accident comes amid heightened avalanche warnings in the region. Swiss monitoring authorities had recently cautioned that the risk level in Valais was high following heavy snowfall and strong winds across the Alps.

In recent days, avalanches in the French Alps have also claimed the lives of at least four off-piste skiers, including two British nationals.

An investigation has been opened to determine the exact cause of the derailment.