RegioJet passenger train 1021, which was heading to Chop (Ukraine) from Pardubice collided head-on with a ČD Cargo freight train, resulting in a tragic incident. At least four people were killed and dozens were injured, according to the Czech news portal iDNES.cz.


The collision occurred near the new station in the center of Pardubice at about 23:00 on June 5, according to local firefighters' spokesman Martin Kavka. Some of the injured are in serious condition, including children.


All emergency services, including aviation (helicopters), are working at the crash site. The Minister of Internal Affairs and the Minister of Transport also went to the scene. The collision killed four people and injured 23 others, the Interior Minister said.


Rescuers immediately began evacuating the injured, who were given medical assistance near the trains.


According to firefighters, about 300 people were traveling on the RegioJet express, and the first car was completely destroyed in the accident.


The preliminary cause of the collision may be that the RegioJet train drove past a stop sign, according to the Hospodářské noviny.


The railway inspection sent eight investigators to investigate the accident.

UPDATED

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported on a tragic accident that occurred late in the evening on June 5 near Pardubice in the Czech Republic, where a RegioJet passenger train “Prague - Košice” and a freight train collided.


According to the Foreign Ministry, two Ukrainian citizens died in the accident.


The rescue operation at the scene ended at 4 a.m.


According to preliminary data, 4 people died, including 2 Ukrainian citizens, and 34 people were slightly injured and received medical assistance.


The consular officer of Ukraine is at the scene and is in contact with the rescue and law enforcement agencies.


The case is under the control of the Department of Consular Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.