Denmark Train Collision Near Copenhagen Leaves Five Critically Injured

Denmark Train Collision Near Copenhagen Leaves Five Critically Injured

A serious train collision in Denmark has left five passengers critically injured and 13 others wounded after two passenger trains crashed head-on on a level crossing north-west of Copenhagen in one of the country’s most severe recent rail accidents.

The crash occurred at about 06:29 local time (05:29 BST) on Thursday along the railway line linking Hillerød and Kagerup in the North Zealand region. Police confirmed that 37 passengers were on board the two trains when the collision happened.

Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and medical teams, were quickly deployed to the scene after the incident was reported. Rescue operations lasted several hours as crews worked to evacuate passengers from the damaged trains and secure the area.

Medical officials confirmed that five people sustained critical injuries, while 13 others suffered less serious injuries. The critically injured victims were transported by helicopter and ambulance to the National Hospital in Copenhagen for urgent treatment.

Local mayor Trine Egetved described the incident as deeply shocking, noting that the affected rail line is widely used by commuters, students, and workers. She said it was alarming that two trains could collide head-on and stressed the importance of preventing a repeat of such an incident.

Authorities confirmed that all injured passengers were transported to hospital either by air rescue or emergency ambulance services, depending on the severity of their condition.

Investigation launched into cause of crash

The Danish Accident Investigation Board has launched a full inquiry into the cause of the collision, working alongside police and railway operators. Officials have stressed that it is still too early to determine exactly what happened.

Inspector Morten Pedersen of North Zealand police said investigators are examining all possible scenarios, while railway experts are reviewing technical data from the scene.

According to preliminary assessments, investigators are considering potential causes such as a failure in the signalling system or human error, including the possibility of a train passing a stop signal.

Rail safety officials from operator Lokaltog, including safety director Claus Pedersen, described the crash as “one of the worst we can imagine in the railway industry,” adding that several railway staff were also injured.

He said investigators are currently analysing data from the trains and signalling systems to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision.

Rare but serious rail incident in Denmark

Rail accidents are uncommon in Denmark, where the railway network is generally considered safe and well-regulated. However, experts have raised questions about whether automated safety systems on the Gribskov line may have contributed to the incident.

Some rail analysts suggest that one train may have entered the wrong track after a signal override, though this has not been confirmed by authorities.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed concern over the incident, describing it as a “terrible train accident” and offering support to those affected.

Authorities have confirmed that a comprehensive safety review of the rail line will follow once the investigation progresses, with early findings expected in the coming weeks.