![\"Alps.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/alps-jpg.webp.webp\")
Snow-covered tracks near Goppenstein, where an avalanche caused a passenger train to derail. Photo: AFP<\/p>\nNews Desk<\/p>\n
Last Updated: 16 Feb 2026, 05:27 pm IST<\/p>\n
A passenger train carrying around 80 people derailed in Switzerland\u2019s Valais region after an avalanche struck the tracks near Goppenstein, prompting an urgent multi-agency rescue response.<\/p>\n
Snow-covered tracks near Goppenstein, where an avalanche caused a passenger train to derail. Photo: AFP<\/p>\n
A large-scale rescue operation is underway in the Swiss Alps after a passenger train derailed early Monday following an avalanche strike near Goppenstein in the canton of Valais, authorities confirmed.<\/p>\n
The train, which had departed from Brig in the morning hours, was carrying approximately 80 passengers when the avalanche swept down onto the tracks in the Stockgraben area. The impact forced several carriages off the rails, triggering an immediate emergency response.<\/p>\n
Valais cantonal police said rescue teams, including firefighters, medical personnel, and mountain specialists, were dispatched to the remote site amid challenging weather conditions.<\/p>\n
Initial reports indicate that multiple passengers sustained injuries, though officials have not yet released confirmed figures regarding the number or severity.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrain derailment, presumably with injured persons, operation underway, further information to follow,\u201d police said in an update, describing the situation as fluid.<\/p>\n
Swiss railway authorities stated that the derailment was directly caused by the avalanche. Passengers have been evacuated from the damaged train, with many receiving medical assessment and support. Emergency crews continue to secure the area and assist those affected.<\/p>\n
The incident comes as Switzerland faces intense winter weather, with persistent heavy snowfall raising avalanche warnings across Alpine regions. Rail services on affected routes have been suspended as a precaution, with disruptions expected to continue until conditions stabilise.<\/p>\n
Local media noted that another avalanche was reported in the broader region just days earlier, underscoring the heightened risk posed by ongoing snow accumulation.<\/p>\n
Investigations into the precise sequence of events are ongoing. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as rescue efforts progress and assessments of passenger injuries are completed.<\/p>\n
Published: 16 Feb 2026, 05:24 pm IST<\/p>\n