A video captured the moment when a heavy goods vehicle raced towards a level crossing as the warning bell rang, leading to a train colliding with it and derailing in Chýnov, Czech Republic. Despite the train driver sounding the horn, the truck continued forward, resulting in the train’s front hitting the cab, causing significant damage and debris to scatter. The impact was so severe that one train carriage derailed, coming to a stop diagonally on the tracks with smoke emerging from beneath it.
Following the incident, 25 individuals, including 20 passengers, were rescued by the fire service from the train. The collision left the lorry driver with serious injuries, while the train driver and two passengers sustained minor to moderate injuries, as confirmed by local authorities.
Estimates indicate that the train incurred damages of £172,000, while the railway infrastructure suffered approximately £3,400 in damages. The lorry itself faced damages amounting to around £34,000. Vojtěch Míra, the spokesperson for the South Bohemian Ambulance Service, mentioned that emergency crews swiftly responded to the scene, with the lorry driver airlifted to a hospital in České Budějovice due to severe injuries. Additionally, three injured train passengers were transported to a hospital for treatment.
The accident investigation concluded later that day, with the derailed carriage being lifted back onto the tracks at 7:44 pm and removed from the site by 9 pm. Rail services resumed by 11 pm, restoring normal operations.