Tragic Train-Bus Collision in Slovakia Leaves at Least Five Dead
A tragic accident occurred in the town of Nove Zamky, Slovakia, when a Eurocity train collided with a bus, resulting in six fatalities and multiple injuries. The collision happened shortly after 5 pm local time, involving over 100 passengers on the train, as reported by the Slovak railway company ZSSK and local police.
Slovakia's rescue service confirmed the deaths and injuries at the scene. Video footage revealed the train's engine engulfed in flames, while the bus suffered extensive damage from the impact. Interior Minister Matus Sutai Estok was en route to the accident site, according to police reports. The major train route connecting Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, with Budapest was shut down indefinitely following the incident.
More than 100 stranded passengers were transported by buses to the town of Sturovo, located on the Hungarian border, as stated by ZSSK. The injured individuals were taken to hospitals in nearby towns and cities, due to the local hospital being closed after parts of it were flooded from heavy overnight rain. The Czech Railways confirmed that the train's engine driver, a Czech national, sustained light burns. Four other injured individuals were passengers on the train.
The cause of the collision remains unclear, and authorities have launched an investigation. The railway crossing involved is protected by gates, which should have provided safety measures to prevent such incidents. Despite these precautions, the tragic accident still occurred, leading to calls for a thorough review of railway safety protocols and crossing protections.
President Peter Pellegrini, attending a European Union summit in Brussels, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. He also wished a speedy recovery to the injured and praised the efforts of medical and rescue teams. Pellegrini hoped that Slovakia could avoid such catastrophes in the future. As the investigation unfolds, the community and nation mourn the loss and look for answers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.