Head on passenger train collision in Switzerland

Switzerland was the scene of another possibly deadly train crash Monday afternoon. Tourists and locals were among the train passengers.

Two passenger trains collided in early Monday evening, leaving dozens injured. Local media reported that at least 40 people are among the wounded, four of whom are in serious condition. Train services in the area have been halted.

“As our train arrived at the station, another train collided into us – it was very violent,” reported one passenger, who had been on board one of the now-wrecked trains. Local paper the Geneva Tribune stated that 40 had been injured in the smash, with other Swiss media sources placing the number closer to 44.

The accident occurred in the municipality of Granges-Marnard, near the city of Lausanne, in the western French-speaking region of the country. The trains crashed 100-200 meters away from a rail station, as one headed towards Lausanne, according to local commuter newspaper 20 Minutes.

“Many passengers were injured and were taken care of by rescue services,” one witness said.