PRAGUE (Reuters) -Emergency and government officials confirmed the tragic event, reporting four fatalities and over 20 injuries. The collision occurred late Wednesday in Pardubice, Czech Republic. Investigations into the incident’s cause are currently underway.
Interior Minister Vit Rakusan reported three serious injuries and over 20 minor injuries in the incident. The crash took place on the primary rail route from Prague to the east.
The Ex 1021 express train, managed by RegioJet, was en route from Prague to Kosice. Its final destination was the Ukrainian town of Chop.
The passenger train had failed to stop at a red light, the Rail Safety Inspection Office said, adding that it was likely to take months to ascertain whether the cause was human error or a technical fault.
The dead included two women from Ukraine, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said, but it was not clear whether the two drivers were also dead.
RegioJet offered support and compensation to the victims in a statement expressing its sorrow.
“We will do everything for a proper investigation,” its owner Radim Jancura said.
Rescue services said more than 300 passengers had been on board, and dozens of police, fire and emergency service units helped to evacuate the carriages.
The aftermath of the Czech train crash has sparked calls for improved infrastructure and better safety standards. Community members are rallying together to support those affected by the tragedy. As the nation mourns the loss of lives, there is a collective determination to learn from the incident and implement measures to prevent future accidents.
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