Overview
- A fast train and a passenger train collided shortly after 06:00 between Zliv and Divčice near České Budějovice on the Budějovice–Plzeň line in southwest Czechia.
- Hospitals and media reported at least 57 injured with five in serious condition, though some outlets cited lower counts of severe injuries and authorities are reconciling figures.
- Rescuers deployed extensively with up to 11 ambulances and a helicopter, and passengers were evacuated with buses and provided replacement transport.
- The cause remains unclear as railway inspectors and police investigate, and initial alcohol tests for the train drivers were negative.
- Rail officials confirmed the section lacked the modern ETCS protection system, highlighting uneven modernization across one of Europe’s densest rail networks near the Bavarian border.