At least six people killed in collision between train and bus in Slovakia
According to the Slovak railways, the train involved in the incident was the Eurocity train from Prague to Budapest. A spokesperson reported that there had initially been reports of five fatalities. Unfortunately, there were more casualties to be expected.
According to a spokesperson named Vladimira Bahylova, the accident occurred at a level crossing secured with barriers and warning lights. The locomotive driver suffered burns as the locomotive had caught fire. In images released by local media, thick smoke clouds and passengers carrying luggage next to a partially burning train could be seen.
A passenger on the train, Katarina Molnarova, spoke to the news agency AFP about a "loud bang and a bang", shortly after the train had left the station of Nove Zamky. A few minutes later, passengers in the rear carriages could have left the train, while the front part had been on fire. Passengers remained calm while leaving the train.
According to police reports, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok and the deputy Slovak police chief Rastislav Polakovic went to the scene of the accident.
The rescue workers were quickly deployed to the scene of the collision, which involved an express train from Prague to Budapest. On Facebook, many users shared their concerns and prayers for those affected. Despite initial reports of five fatalities, the number of dead from the collision in Slovakia is now at least eight. The incident took place at a level crossing, secured with barriers and warning lights. A bus was also reportedly involved in the accident.
