Train Hit by Avalanche in Swiss Alps; Injuries Feared

A passenger train derailed early Monday after being struck by an avalanche near the village of Goppenstein in the canton of Valais, authorities said. Several people are feared injured, though the exact number remains unclear as rescue operations continue.

The incident occurred at around 7:00 am local time. Cantonal authorities confirmed on X that emergency services were dispatched immediately to the scene.

According to Swiss Federal Railways, the derailment was caused by an avalanche that struck the train along the RE1 route between Bern and Brig. Regional operator BLS AG said the impact occurred in the Stockgraben Tunnel between Goppenstein and Hohtenn, beyond the Lötschberg Tunnel — a key Alpine rail corridor.

The affected service was a RegioExpress train that had departed Spiez at approximately 6:12 am and was travelling south toward Brig when the avalanche hit. BLS reported that about 30 passengers were on board at the time.

Ambulances and rescue helicopters were sent to the mountainous location, and by mid-morning, dozens of passengers had been evacuated from the derailed carriages. Officials have not yet confirmed the number or severity of injuries, and investigations are ongoing.

Rail traffic between Goppenstein and Brig has been suspended, with disruptions expected to last at least until late afternoon. Authorities have warned of delays and cancellations on affected routes.

The region has experienced fresh snowfall and strong winds in recent days, creating heavy snow drifts and unstable conditions. The WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF has warned that such weather significantly increases avalanche risk, with slides capable of being triggered easily or occurring spontaneously.

The Goppenstein area is particularly prone to avalanches during winter due to its steep alpine terrain and high snowfall levels. Prior to the incident, high avalanche warnings had been issued across parts of the Swiss Alps.

Rescue teams are expected to remain on site throughout the day to ensure all passengers are safely evacuated and to assess structural damage to the railway line. Further updates are anticipated once authorities complete safety inspections and confirm casualty figures.