Two trains have collided head-on on a level crossing northwest of Copenhagen, leaving five people critically hurt and 13 others with less serious injuries, medical officials say.
The trains were travelling early on Thursday on a line connecting Hillerød and Kagerup, with a total of 37 people on board. Tim Ole Simonsen of the Greater Copenhagen fire department stated that all injured had been transported to hospitals by either air or ambulance.
Local mayor Trine Egetved expressed her shock over the accident, noting it involved many residents, workers, and students who frequently use the local tracks.
The collision occurred at 06:29 local time, and official investigations are underway to determine the cause. Possible factors include signaling issues or human error, with safety officials emphasizing the need to ensure such incidents do not occur again in the future.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has voiced her concerns over the incident, calling it a terrible train accident that must be thoroughly examined.
According to experts, rail accidents are rare in Denmark, and initial reports suggest that one train driver may have mistakenly overridden a stop signal. The Gribskov line where the incident happened lacks an updated automated safety system, which could be relevant to the investigation.
The local track is used by many, and the community is anxiously awaiting the findings of the inquiry into this shocking collision.
