High-Speed Train Collision in Slovakia Injures Dozens — Two in Critical Condition as Officials Probe Possible Human Error

A devastating collision between two high-speed trains in eastern Slovakia on Monday morning left dozens of passengers injured, including two in critical condition, prompting a large-scale emergency response and an investigation into what authorities believe may have been human error.

According to Slovak Railways (Železnice Slovenskej republiky), the crash occurred shortly after 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) near the small town of Rožňava, about 300 kilometers east of the capital, Bratislava.

The two trains — both operating on the country’s high-speed passenger line — collided head-on while traveling on the same track section, damaging the front carriages and derailing at least one of the trains.

Dozens Injured, Two Fighting for Their Lives

Emergency medical teams, firefighters, and police officers rushed to the scene within minutes. According to Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok, roughly 80 passengers were on board the two trains at the time of impact.

“Two individuals are currently in critical condition and have been airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital,” Eštok said during a midday press conference. “The rest of the injured have sustained moderate or light injuries. Fortunately, there are no confirmed fatalities at this time.”

Authorities confirmed that dozens of passengers were treated for injuries ranging from broken bones to concussions and minor cuts. Emergency responders transported more than 30 people to hospitals in Košice and Rožňava, while others were treated on-site.

Witnesses Describe Chaos and Panic

Survivors described the terrifying moment of impact as “like an explosion,” with glass shattering and passengers thrown from their seats.

“I was sitting by the window when suddenly everything went black,” said Jana Horváthová, a 34-year-old passenger traveling to Košice. “People screamed, luggage flew everywhere, and I could smell smoke. We thought it was a bomb at first.”

Another passenger, Marek Kovác, told local broadcaster RTVS that some travelers had to break windows to escape after the first train car derailed. “The metal twisted, and we couldn’t open the doors. The firefighters came quickly — they saved us,” he said.

Photos from the crash site showed the front engine of one train crushed and tilted off the tracks, while the other train’s first carriage appeared heavily damaged. Several windows were shattered, and debris littered the rails.

Officials Suggest Possible Human Error

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the collision. Interior Minister Eštok indicated that human error is currently considered the most likely factor, though other possibilities — including signal failure or mechanical malfunction — have not been ruled out.

“Preliminary evidence suggests that one of the trains may have entered a section of track it was not cleared to use,” Eštok told reporters. “We will not speculate further until we have results from the technical inspection.”

The Transport and Construction Ministry has dispatched a special commission to the site to review signal systems, communication logs, and train data recorders — commonly known as “black boxes.”

Swift Emergency Response

Within an hour of the crash, more than 100 emergency personnel — including paramedics, police, and fire units — were deployed. Helicopters from Air Rescue Slovakia evacuated the most seriously injured to regional hospitals.

Local authorities activated a crisis coordination center to assist victims and families. Temporary shelters were set up at a nearby school for passengers awaiting transport.

Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (or current PM name depending on context) expressed his condolences and praised the quick action of first responders.

“Today’s accident is a tragedy that could have been much worse without the courage and professionalism of our emergency teams,” he said in a statement. “We will ensure a full and transparent investigation into what went wrong.”

A History of Rail Safety and Modernization Challenges

While Slovakia’s rail system is considered relatively safe, Monday’s crash is among the most serious in recent decades.

In 2020, a freight train and a passenger train collided near the town of Nové Zámky, injuring several people. Since then, the Slovak government has invested millions of euros into rail modernization and signaling upgrades, partly funded by the European Union.

However, critics argue that the modernization process has been slow and uneven, particularly on older regional lines. “The signaling systems on some routes still rely on outdated technology that requires manual confirmation from drivers,” said Ivan Baláž, a rail safety expert and former inspector. “That increases the chance of human mistakes — exactly what may have happened here.”

According to Slovak Railways’ own data, more than 60% of rail infrastructure still requires digital signal modernization, especially in the eastern parts of the country.

Scenes of Calm After Chaos

By early afternoon, emergency teams had cleared most passengers from the site, and cranes began the process of removing damaged carriages from the track. Rail services between Košice and Bratislava were temporarily suspended, and authorities warned of delays throughout the week as repairs continue.

Volunteers from the Slovak Red Cross distributed blankets, water, and food to stranded passengers. “Many were shaken and crying,” said Lucia Petríková, a Red Cross coordinator. “Some didn’t even have their shoes — they ran out barefoot after the crash.”

Local residents in Rožňava gathered to donate blood and offer transportation for those affected. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Milan Cerny, a café owner near the station. “We’ve never seen anything like this in our town.”

International Reactions

News of the crash drew sympathy from neighboring countries. The Czech Republic’s Ministry of Transport offered technical support and assistance with the investigation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also issued a statement expressing “deep sorrow” and solidarity with the Slovak people.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the first responders who are working tirelessly,” von der Leyen said. “The EU stands ready to provide any needed assistance in the aftermath of this tragedy.”

Investigation Underway, Public Demands Answers

As night fell over Rožňava, investigators continued to comb through the wreckage under floodlights. Data from the trains’ recording systems — including speed, braking, and signal data — will be crucial to determining whether driver error, signal miscommunication, or system malfunction caused the deadly sequence.

Public anger is growing as citizens demand accountability and assurance that similar accidents will not happen again.

“We need to know if this was a technical failure or a human mistake,” said Andrej Novotný, a spokesman for the Slovak Passenger Association. “If human error was involved, it points to deeper structural issues — overworked staff, poor communication, and outdated equipment.”

Authorities expect to release preliminary findings within the next two weeks, though a final report could take months.

A Nation in Mourning and Reflection

As Slovakia grapples with the aftermath of the Rožňava crash, the focus has shifted from shock to reflection — on rail safety, infrastructure, and the human cost of preventable accidents.

Two passengers remain in intensive care, fighting for their lives. Dozens of others are recovering in hospitals, thankful to have survived.

Outside the Rožňava train station, someone placed flowers and a handwritten note that read:

“For everyone who was there — may you heal quickly, and may we never forget how fragile life is.”