Avalanche crashes into train in the Swiss Alps causing ‘several casualties’
A perilous rescue operation is underway after a passenger train derailed near a small village in the Swiss Alps this morning.
The train, carrying 80 passengers, departed from Brig around 6.12am before derailing after an avalanche struck near the village of Goppenstein, in Valais, Switzerland.
Police said a response is underway, writing: ‘Train derailment, likely with injuries, response underway, more information to follow.’
Heavy snowfall is believed to be behind the avalanche, and other train lines have been suspended until at least 4pm, 20 Minuten reports.
It’s unclear how many people have been injured, but local media have suggested there are several injuries.
Just five days ago, another avalanche was reported in the same area, cutting off a local valley from the outside world.
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