Two trains collided head-on on a level crossing northwest of Copenhagen, leading to five individuals being critically injured and another 13 sustaining less severe injuries. The incident occurred Thursday morning on a line linking the towns of Hillerød and Kagerup, with 37 passengers in total aboard the trains.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, transporting the injured to hospitals by air and ambulance. Tim Ole Simonsen from the Greater Copenhagen fire department confirmed that investigations into the crash's causes are underway, though specific details remain unclear.
Local mayor Trine Egetved expressed her shock over the incident, highlighting the railway's importance to local residents, workers, and students. This accident has ignited concerns regarding railway safety, given that it involved a head-on collision on a line known for its daily use.
In a statement, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed her deep concern about the event, urging thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, officials from Denmark's Accident Investigation Board, alongside police, are examining all hypotheses, including potential signaling failures or human errors.
Claus Pedersson, safety director at Lokaltog, described the crash as one of the worst imaginable in railway operations, stating they are gathering information to ascertain what transpired. Initial reports indicate that one train driver attempted to brake and assist in evacuating passengers post-collision.
Rail accidents are generally infrequent in Denmark, making this incident particularly striking. Experts suggest the possibility that one of the train drivers may have overridden a stop signal, leading to the unfortunate collision.
