A rush-hour collision between two Czech Railways trains near České Budějovice on Wednesday morning left dozens injured, including five in serious condition, and forced authorities to shut down rail traffic along the busy route.
The crash occurred at around 6:20 am between the stations of Zliví and Dívčice, when the R 658 express train struck the Os 8053 passenger service. The route is heavily used by commuters travelling to work, heightening concerns about railway safety during peak hours.
Czech Railways confirmed that both trains involved in the incident belonged to its fleet. Replacement bus services were immediately arranged to transport stranded passengers as authorities cordoned off the site and suspended operations until further notice.
Seven rescue teams and a helicopter were dispatched to the scene within minutes of the crash. Medical personnel transported the seriously injured to České Budějovice hospital, where spokeswoman Iva Nováková said the five most critical patients were receiving urgent treatment.
Emergency responders initially reported two seriously injured individuals and around 42 with minor injuries. However, those numbers were updated as assessments continued throughout the morning.
Railway inspectors quickly arrived to begin an investigation into the cause of the collision. Jan Kučera, Inspector General of the Railway Inspection, said four inspectors were on site to assess whether human error, a technical malfunction or systemic issues led to the crash.
“Our goal is to determine what caused this extraordinary event,” Kučera told national broadcaster ČT24. He noted that one of the railway inspectors happened to be commuting on the train at the time and provided immediate assistance to the rescue efforts.
Czech media reported that preliminary indications suggest the driver of one of the trains may have passed a signal indicating prohibited travel. Both drivers reportedly saw each other from several hundred metres away but were unable to stop in time before impact.
Authorities stressed that these reports remain unconfirmed pending formal analysis of onboard systems, signal data and driver testimony. Investigators are also examining track conditions, communication logs and the performance of braking systems.
The line remains closed as teams work to clear the damaged carriages, repair affected infrastructure and ensure the track is safe for future operations. Rail passengers have been advised to expect significant delays and continue using replacement transport until services resume.
The collision has raised new concerns about railway safety in the Czech Republic, particularly regarding early-morning commuter routes that operate under heavy pressure. Transport officials have promised transparency as the investigation progresses.
As emergency crews continue work at the scene and investigators search for answers, the incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and rapid response systems designed to protect passengers during peak travel hours.