In addition to the four deaths so far, 22 people have been taken to nearby hospitals in Pardubice, Hradec Králové and Chrudim. 3 people were seriously injured.
Around 380 people were travelling on the express train. The front carriage of the fast train was badly damaged.
Firefighters immediately started to rescue the injured. Several hydraulic rescue tools were in use, which the firefighters used to create space for the actual rescue of the injured.
The freight train was carrying calcium carbide in the wagons, but fortunately the first two wagons were empty, so there was no leakage of the dangerous substance.
A team of psychologists provided psychological first aid at the scene and then at the main station, where the uninjured passengers were taken.
According to Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka, efforts are being made to restore traffic as quickly as possible. However, it is not clear how long this will take.
The cause of the tragic accident is being investigated by the Rail Safety Inspection Office. "It is not yet possible to speculate on the causes," said Minister Kupka.
The damage at the site of the accident has not yet been quantified. The total damage at the accident site was estimated at more than €4.5 million (freight train €2 million, express train €2.5 million, track €12 thousand). Traffic on the line is running on one track at reduced speed.
According to the findings of the Rail Safety Inspection Office at the scene of the accident, the Ex 1021 train missed a signal at the 'no running' position and ran into the track of a freight train. Whether this was due to a technical fault, human error or a combination of both factors is the subject of a detailed investigation and it is not possible to draw any specific conclusions. The Rail Safety Inspection Office is also investigating the circumstances of the incident and the contributing factors, so the investigation will take several months.
