Яндекс.Метрика
2026-02-16

Avalanche Derails Train in Switzerland, Leaving 30 Injured





An avalanche near Goppenstein in southern Switzerland derailed a regional passenger train on Monday, February 16, marking the second avalanche at Goppenstein in five days, after an avalanche hit a road tunnel on February 12, which cut off the Lötschental from the rest of Switzerland for the day until crews had cleared the access road.



Related: Evacuation Ordered for Swiss Mountain Village Amid Elevated Avalanche Danger



The train, carrying approximately 80 passengers, was struck by a snow slide as it traveled through the Lötschental valley—a steep, avalanche-prone region known for heavy snowfall and dramatic terrain. The force of the avalanche pushed part of the train off the tracks, forcing an immediate emergency response.

Rescue crews, railway officials, and cantonal police quickly mobilized to secure the site and assist passengers. Initial reports indicate that the train did not overturn, but at least one carriage was partially derailed. Emergency personnel evacuated passengers and assessed for injuries.



Related: Massive Avalanche Hits Val Veny, Courmayeur, Italy: 2 Confirmed Dead, 1 in Critical Condition



Police have not yet confirmed the full extent of injuries, but early indications suggest that most passengers were able to leave the train safely. This is an evolving situation and we will update readers are more information becomes available. Rail traffic through the corridor was suspended as crews worked to stabilize the area and evaluate avalanche danger along the line.

Goppenstein sits at the northern entrance of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, a major rail link connecting northern and southern Switzerland. The route is heavily used by both passenger and freight trains and serves as a key artery between Bern and Brig.

The Lötschental valley itself is no stranger to avalanches. With steep alpine walls rising sharply above the railway and roadway, the region experiences frequent avalanche cycles during periods of intense snowfall and wind loading. Protective galleries and avalanche barriers line parts of the route, but extreme conditions can still overwhelm defenses.

The derailment comes amid heightened avalanche danger in multiple parts of the Swiss Alps following significant recent snowfall and strong winds. Rapid loading of the snowpack, combined with persistent weak layers, has created unstable conditions across many alpine regions. A village in the canton of Wallis/Valais received an evacuation order for several neighborhoods today which are under risk of being buried by an avalanche.



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