According to police in Goppenstein, Switzerland, a Swiss BLS train was covered in snow following a derailment on the line connecting Goppenstein to Hohten. Photo: Valais cantonal police handout via Reuters
A regional train derailed early Monday (Feb. 16, 2026) in southern Switzerland, injuring five people and evacuating more than two dozen.
The accident happened near the town of Goppenstein, the region is under its second-highest avalanche warning, four out of five levels.
“According to preliminary investigations, an avalanche may have crossed the tracks shortly before the train left,” police said, adding that the public prosecutor’s office had opened an investigation.
Also Read: Fatal fire in Swiss bar: Six injured missing
At the time of the incident, around 7:00 am (0600 GMT), 29 people were on the train, police said.
“Five persons were injured. One of them was taken to hospital,” the police said while the rest of the passengers were taken to safety.
The village at an altitude of 1,216 meters (4,000 feet) was experiencing heavy snowfall on Monday (February 16). AFP The reporter noticed.
The train did not appear immediately. Goppenstein, a key loading and unloading hub for road and rail transport, is located at the exit of the Latschberg rail tunnel. Police said the train derailed while coming out of the tunnel.
Police have advised journalists not to stay at the scene as there is a high risk of avalanches in the area.
The federal rail operator CFF said on its website that the snowfall caused “rail traffic disruption between Goppenstein and Brig.”
On Thursday (February 12), an avalanche blocked part of the main road connecting the Latschental valley to the plain at Goppenstein.
Road traffic and the Latschburg car shuttle were disrupted for several hours. However, there was no injury or damage in this incident.
Separately, authorities issued an evacuation order for several areas in the municipality of Orciers on Monday (February 16), with “severe weather and strong winds recorded” and heavy rain forecast for later on Monday (February 16).
Switzerland is known for its extensive and punctual train network, offering frequent services between cities, towns and villages.
Train enthusiasts come from all over the world to ride the most scenic routes or exceptionally steep routes.
The Swiss are Europe’s biggest rail users in terms of kilometers traveled per person, but according to government figures, accidents have declined in recent decades as usage has increased.
In 2023, 15 people were injured when two trains derailed 20 minutes apart in a storm near the capital Bern.
Published – February 16, 2026 04:50 pm IST
