Passenger train collision in Prague leads to injuries, widespread traffic disruption

Two passenger trains collided on the viaduct in Prague's Libeň this morning. Dušan Gavenda, a spokesman for the Railway Administration, told ČTK that one of the trains struck a stationary trainset.

Rescuers treated over 30 people at the scene, primarily with limb and head injuries, and transported them to nearby hospitals. Nobody is seriously injured, authorities say.

A breath test for alcohol taken for one of the train drivers was positive, so the police took him for medical treatment with a blood sample. The other driver was in training, according to the police, who are investigating the matter.

Traffic on the rail line was halted following the accident, and police closed traffic on Čuprova Street, which runs under the bridge. Czech Railways evacuated approximately 200 passengers on a special train to Vysočany.

“At approximately 8:30 a.m. today, there was a collision between a Czech Railways train and a KŽC carrier train at the Balabenka Junction in Prague,” said Czech Railways spokesman Filip Medelský. “Traffic between Vysočany and Holešovice, as well as between Masaryk and the main station, is currently suspended. Public transport is available in these sections, and ČD tickets are being accepted.”

The Prague Rescue Service reported on X that it deployed a special Fénix vehicle and several rescue and medical crews. They also initiated a trauma plan for emergencies. “Eighteen patients have been transported to Prague hospitals, with limb and head injuries being most common. All are conscious and out of danger,” rescue workers stated. The number of injured is still being updated.

Firefighters are assisting with the evacuation and removing the trainsets from the track. Police are investigating the collision as a case of criminal endangerment due to negligence. Railway inspectors and criminal investigators are examining the cause of the accident.

Traffic disruptions in the area were widespread. Čuprova Street was closed in both directions between Na Žertvách and Povltavská Streets to accommodate firefighting and rescue equipment. Ropid, the agency overseeing public transport in Prague, reported that traffic in northern Prague, including Libeň, Vysočany, and Prosek, is heavily congested, with delays affecting buses and trams.

Train services between Vysočany, Holešovice, Masaryk Station, and the main station remain suspended. According to Czech Railways, trains from Kralupy are terminating in Holešovice, and those from Lysá and Neratovice are ending in Vysočany. “Line S49 is not operating between Holešovice and Libeň,” Ropid confirmed, urging travelers to use alternate public transport options.