Multiple casualties have been reported following a collision between two trains near Kagerup in North Zealand, Denmark this morning. The incident occurred prior to 6.30 am local time to the north of Copenhagen, injuring up to 17 individuals, with five of them in critical condition.
The crash occurred on a train route connecting the towns of Hillerod and Kagerup. Emergency response teams, including seven ambulances and a helicopter, have been dispatched alongside the armed forces. Initially, authorities stated that four individuals were critically injured, but later revised the number to five after the crash.
According to a spokesperson for the North Zealand police, there were a total of 38 passengers on board the two trains. The injured have been evacuated from the scene using ambulances and helicopters, as confirmed by the fire department.
Emergency operations at the accident site have been concluded, while police investigations are ongoing. Gribskov Mayor Trine Egetved mentioned that the crash occurred on a local railway line heavily utilized by residents, including schoolchildren.
Notably, in August last year, a fatal incident occurred when a train collided with a slurry tanker near the German border in southern Denmark, resulting in one fatality and 27 injuries. Described by authorities as a “serious accident,” the collision involved two local trains colliding head-on, according to a spokesperson from the Greater Copenhagen fire department.
Mayor Trine Egetved noted on Facebook that some of the injured individuals were airlifted to hospitals. Following the crash, the Gribskov Line has been temporarily suspended. Alternate transportation options are being arranged for affected commuters.
North Zealand police have confirmed injuries but refrained from disclosing further details on their nature and severity. Technical examinations at the site are ongoing and are expected to continue for an extended period, as stated by the police district.
Reports indicate that four individuals are in critical condition, with a total of 17 people injured in the train crash. The collision site is approximately 40 kilometers north of Copenhagen, with the incident happening on the train route linking Hillerod and Kagerup.
In summary, two trains collided in Denmark early on Thursday, leading to a significant emergency response for what authorities have labeled a major accident.