5 injured as avalanche derails passenger train near Goppenstein, Switzerland
An avalanche derailed a passenger train near Goppenstein in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, on February 16, 2026, injuring five of the 29 people on board.
Drone view of derailed RegioExpress between Goppenstein and Hohtenn on February 16, 2026. Credit: Valais Police
A BLS AG train was derailed on the line between Goppenstein and Hohtenn at around 07:00 local time (LT) on February 16. According to local police, five people were injured in the accident.
The train derailed while exiting the Stockgalerie avalanche protection gallery. Preliminary investigations indicate that an avalanche hit the line shortly before the train arrived, depositing snow and debris on the tracks.
While local media initially reported 80 passengers, officials said 29 people were on board at the time of the accident. At least five were injured, one of whom had to be transported to the hospital in Sion.
The other four were treated at the scene by emergency services and did not require hospitalization. All remaining passengers were evacuated safely. A replacement bus service was set up between Goppenstein and Gampel to ensure onward travel.
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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