Avalanche Derails Swiss Train

A powerful avalanche struck a commuter train in the Swiss Alps on Tuesday morning, derailing several carriages and trapping passengers amid piles of snow.

The incident occurred near the town of St. Moral, where a sudden burst of snow released from an unstable slope onto the railway line, causing the train to lose traction and slide off the tracks.

Casualties and Injuries

Emergency services dispatched multiple units, including mountain rescue teams and local firefighters, to the remote site. Initial reports indicate that at least eight passengers have sustained serious injuries, while the status of the remaining 72 individuals remains unclear.

Swiss Transport Minister Alain Berset addressed the media, confirming that rescue operations are ongoing and that authorities are working closely with railway operators to restore service and investigate the cause of the avalanche.

Meteorologists have warned of unusually heavy snowfall across the region this winter, attributing the heightened risk to rapid temperature fluctuations and weakened snowpack stability. Climate experts suggest such extreme weather events may become more frequent in the coming decades.

Passengers aboard the train described a terrifying scene as the carriage lurched violently before being halted by an immovable wall of snow. Many reported hearing loud cracking sounds as the roof collapsed under the weight of the drifting drifts.

The affected railway segment, part of the historic Bernina line, has been closed temporarily for safety assessments. Officials plan to deploy specialized equipment to clear the snow and examine the structural integrity of the track before any resumption of service.

Investigation Update

As investigations continue, the incident underscores the vulnerability of transportation networks in mountainous regions during severe weather conditions. Authorities urge travelers to heed official advisories and consider alternative routes until normal operations are fully restored.

Rescue Operations

Rescue teams have established a base camp near the accident site, providing medical care and shelter to the injured. Helicopter crews are evaluating the feasibility of airlifting patients to regional hospitals, given the limited road access. Meanwhile, engineers are assessing the possibility of using controlled explosions to dislodge massive snow blocks that block the rail corridor, a technique previously employed in similar incidents across the Alps.

The train consisted of eight carriages, including a first‑class compartment and a dining car, and was scheduled to continue to Milan after the stop in St. Moral. Cargo on board included luggage and passenger baggage, none of which posed additional hazards. Authorities have appealed for public patience while they complete the clearance operation, promising to provide updates as soon as the railway is deemed safe for service.

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