At least one person has died and dozens more have been injured after a passenger train collided with a slurry tanker and derailed in southern Denmark, officials confirmed late Friday.
The accident occurred between the towns of Tinglev and Kliplev in southern Jutland, close to Denmark’s border with Germany. Police reported that a 60-year-old woman was killed in the collision, while 27 passengers sustained injuries.
Five of those injured were described as seriously hurt, with two remaining in critical condition in hospital. Authorities said the crash involved a passenger service bound for Sønderborg, carrying more than 100 people onboard at the time of impact.
Among the passengers were a group of pupils and two teachers from a local school in Sønderborg. While none of the students suffered serious injuries, police confirmed that they had been offered counseling and psychological support.
In an overnight update, police said cranes had been deployed at the site to lift derailed carriages and search for any additional casualties. Photographs from the scene showed one of the carriages lying on its side near the railway tracks, with dazed passengers gathered on the embankment.
The slurry tanker, used to transport liquid farm waste, was reportedly struck at a level crossing. Local media reported that at least two train carriages left the tracks following the impact. Investigators are now examining whether signaling, visibility, or tanker movement across the crossing played a role in the crash.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed condolences in a statement to the Danish public broadcaster DR, saying: “My thoughts go out to the relatives, the many injured and everyone who is currently affected by the accident. I hope that everyone gets the best possible help and support.”
Denmark’s national rail operator, DSB, announced that services along the affected line had been suspended until further notice. The rail infrastructure agency Banedanmark also confirmed that the collision occurred at a level crossing and said technical experts were on-site to assess the damage and begin clearance operations.
Police reported that a total of 106 people were involved in the accident, including passengers and crew. Emergency services from across southern Jutland were mobilized, with ambulances and rescue vehicles dispatched within minutes of the crash. Several passengers were treated at the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals.
While the majority of those involved escaped with minor injuries, the accident has once again highlighted concerns over safety at level crossings in Denmark. Similar incidents in recent years have prompted calls for greater investment in automated barriers, warning systems, and route diversions.
For now, officials said the priority remains on supporting survivors and reopening the line once wreckage is cleared. Investigations into the cause of the crash are expected to continue over the weekend, with authorities likely to release preliminary findings in the coming days.
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