Two trains have collided in a shocking crash in Denmark, leaving 18 people injured. Including several in critical condition.
Emergency services confirmed that five of those injured are fighting for their lives following the incident.
The collision reportedly occurred head-on Thursday morning, north of the Danish capital of Copenhagen.
Train Crash Leaves Multiple Injured in Denmark
The crash took place shortly before 6:30AM local time on the Gribskov train line, between the towns of Hillerød and Kagerup.
Around 37 passengers were believed to be onboard the two local trains at the time of the collision.
Rescue crews described chaotic scenes inside the damaged carriages as they worked to reach those injured.
“The two trains collided head-on, causing large damage to them and sending broken ?glass flying everywhere,” fire and rescue service leader Christoffer Buhl Martekilde said.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the crash. Police have warned that it is too early to draw conclusions. An “extensive investigation” is expected to follow.
Movia, the parent company of rail operator Lokaltog, described the incident as a “serious train accident” and offered its condolences to those affected.
Major Emergency Response as Investigation Begins
A large-scale emergency response was launched, with 18 vehicles and 47 rescue workers deployed to the scene.
Officials confirmed that all passengers had been safely evacuated from the trains, with no one left trapped.
“There are injuries among the passengers. Everyone is out of the trains, so no one is trapped… Large resources have been dispatched to the scene,” a spokesperson said, via Reuters.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson offered support to Denmark, but acting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declined, citing sufficient local resources.
Local mayor Trine Egetved said the line is commonly used by residents, workers, and students, making the incident particularly concerning.
She added that it was deeply alarming that two trains could collide head-on, “and we must ensure it never happens again”.
The crash has also drawn comparisons to Denmark’s worst railway disaster in recent history.
In 2019, eight people were killed when a high-speed train struck an obstacle on the Great Belt Bridge during a storm, causing widespread devastation.