Newswire

Round-up of overseas rail accidents and incidents between October–December 2025.

13 October – Slovakia: Two trains collide head on near Jablonov nad Turnou, 66 injured

Just after 10.00 (local time), two passenger trains collided where a double-track formation singles ahead of a tunnel near Jablonov nad Turnou. One locomotive and a carriage derailed. There were no fatalities, but at least 66 people were injured. An investigation has been launched.

18 October – Hong Kong: Teen arrested for trying to prevent train door from closing at Wan Chai

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after he allegedly used his hand to prevent an MTR train door from closing at Wan Chai, according to local police. The teenager was arrested in Hung Hom after a review of CCTV footage.

19 October – USA: Guard struck and killed in Columbus, Montana

At around 09.40 (local time) on 19 October 2025, a BNSF guard was struck and killed by a passing train in Columbus, Montana. The chain of events is uncertain, but early reports suggest that the guard had been between two trains, one of which was moving, when the incident occurred.

20 October – Ethiopia: Derailment and collision kill 15 in Shinile

A passenger train derailed before striking a stationary train on the adjacent line in Shinile, killing 15 people. The local district commissioner cited overloading as a major factor in the incident. The commissioner also noted that the derailed train had also been carrying goods, such as rice, pasta, and cooking oil.

30 October – Netherlands: Lorry struck on Meteren crossing as it tries to move clear, 5 injured

A lorry was struck by a passenger train on a level crossing in Meteren. Five people were injured. Footage released by infrastructure manager ProRail showed ‘how quickly things can go wrong at a railway crossing and is shocking to watch’.

2 November – USA: Lorry struck on crossing in Shertz, Texas – no reported injuries

A lorry carrying cars was struck by a train at a level crossing in Schertz, Texas. The force of the impact pushed the cab of the lorry some 50 yards down the line. There were no reported injuries and no derailment. An investigation is under way.

4 November – India: Passenger train strikes rear of freight near Bilaspur, 11 killed

A passenger train struck the rear of a freight near Bilaspur, some 116 kilometres from Raipur. At least 11 people were killed, including the passenger train driver. The passenger driver’s assistant and 19 passengers were injured. Rescue teams worked until the following morning. An investigation has been launched.

9 November – Slovakia: Rear-end collision in Pezinok injures 79

A passenger train ran into the rear of another near Pezinok, north of Bratislava. Of the 800 passengers involved, 79 were reported injured. Most of the injuries were minor, but 13 people were kept in hospital for treatment. Prime Minister Robert Fico said the collision was probably caused by human error.

11 November – Argentina: Passenger train derails in Buenos Aires, injuring 20

A passenger train derailed 100 metres from a level crossing in Liniers, Buenos Aires. Around 20 passengers were reported injured. Early indications suggest the cause to be a problem with a set of points. However, the Federal Court has ordered that the driver take a breathalyser test.

20 November – Czech Republic: Rear-end collision near České Budějovice injures 57

An express struck the rear of another passenger train near České Budějovice, injuring 57 people, four of them seriously. All passengers were safely evacuated from both trains. The driver of the express had to be freed from the cab by firefighters. Preliminary investigations suggest the express passed a red signal.

27 November – China: Eleven killed as test train strikes staff in Kunming

Eleven were killed when a test train struck a group of trackworkers at Louyangzhen. Two more suffered major injuries, requiring hospital treatment. Rescue teams were soon on site, the local media reporting that the railway authorities had immediately launched its emergency response plan. An investigation has been launched.

2 December – USA: Freight derails into Gunnison River, Colorado

A freight derailed near Whitewater, Colorado. Five coal wagons and both locomotives entered the Gunnison River. The two crew members were not injured. It was later confirmed that a rockslide had caused the incident. Site access was limited due to the remoteness of the area, which has no road access.

9 December – Thailand: Collision at Kanchanaburi injures 33

A stationary passenger formation was struck a locomotive at Wang Yen station in Kanchanaburi. The locomotive had been backing towards the carriages in order to couple up and take the train forward. In all, 33 people were reported injured. Early reports suggest the locomotive suffered a brake failure.

30 December – Peru: Collision near Machu Picchu kills one and injures over 40 more

At 13.20 (local time), two passenger trains collided head on near Machu Picchu, in the Ollantaytambo District of Peru, killing one driver injuring 40 passengers. Staff quickly raised the alarm and rescue teams were soon on site. All services were suspended. An investigation has been launched.

28 December – Mexico: Thirteen killed as passenger train derails on curve near Nizanda

A passenger train derailed in Asunción Ixtaltepec, killing 13 people and injuring 98 more. The incident occurred on a curve in the cliff side near the town of Nizanda. An investigation has been launched. Some reports note that passengers had been concerned about the speed of the train.

19 December – USA: Passenger trains collide, injuring 17, in Montclair

Just after 18.45 (local time), two passenger trains collided near Bay Street station in Montclair, New Jersey. One of the formations was derailed by the impact. A spokesperson for the operator said 17 people had suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation.