Terrible train accident in Switzerland

A regional train has been derailed in the Swiss Alps after being hit by an avalanche. The accident occurred at an altitude of 1,216 meters near the southern town of Gopenstein on Monday (February 16). At least five passengers were injured, one of whom was hospitalized in a serious condition, local police and news agency AFP confirmed.

Based on an initial investigation, police said a large avalanche crossed the railway line just before the train arrived, causing the accident. The avalanche alert in the region is currently at the second highest level (level 4). Although rescue operations have been hampered by heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions, the public prosecutor's office has launched a detailed investigation into the incident.

The death toll from avalanches in the Alps has risen alarmingly in recent days. Three skiers died in an avalanche in the Val d'Isere resort in France last Friday (February 13).

Meanwhile, a record 13 climbers and skiers have died in avalanches in Italy in the past week. Fresh snowfall and strong winds have caused dangerous conditions as the mountains pile up in layers.

Experts have warned that the slopes are now so unstable that even the slightest pressure or movement of a skier could trigger a major avalanche. Tourists and skiers have been advised not to travel to unmarked and unmaintained mountain areas outside the Olympic sites.

Source: Al Jazeera.