Train Collision in North Zealand
Two trains collided head-on on a level crossing northwest of Copenhagen, resulting in five people sustaining critical injuries and 12 others suffering minor injuries, according to medical officials.
The incident occurred early on Thursday on a railway line connecting the towns of Hillerød and Kagerup in the North Zealand region of northeast Denmark. Police reported that there were a total of 38 passengers on board the two trains.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Tim Ole Simonsen from the Greater Copenhagen Fire Department stated that the cause of the collision was not yet known. He informed Danish TV that all injured individuals had been transported to hospitals either by air or ambulance.
Local mayor Trine Egetved expressed her deep shock regarding the accident.
Public broadcaster DR aired footage showing two yellow and grey trains with visible frontal damage, positioned facing each other within a wooded area.
Frederiksborg Fire and Rescue reported being alerted to the accident at approximately 06:30 local time (05:30 BST) on Thursday morning.
Hospitalization and Community Impact
Mayor Egetved, who leads the Gribskov municipality, confirmed that those critically injured had been airlifted to the National Hospital in Copenhagen.
"The local track is used by many Gribskov residents, workers and students,"
she wrote on Facebook, highlighting the importance of the railway line to the community.
Investigation Underway
Denmark's Accident Investigation Board arrived at the scene during the morning. Inspector Morten Pedersen of North Zealand police stated that they would collaborate with the investigation board to determine the circumstances of the collision.
"It was far too early to know the cause of the crash,"
Pedersen told reporters.
Possible Causes and Safety Concerns
Rail accidents are uncommon in Denmark. One expert suggested that the collision might have occurred because one of the train drivers overrode a stop signal upon leaving a local station, resulting in the train entering the wrong track. The Gribskov line is reportedly not equipped with an automated safety system.
Mayor Egetved told public broadcaster DR that the incident was shocking and emphasized the need to prevent such accidents in the future.
"It was shocking that two trains could collide head-on and we must ensure it never happens again."
