Two killed and 30 injured in high-speed derailment in Italy

The deadly high speed train derailment in Italy might have been the result of a switch that was left on.

Vigili del Fuoco

Our sister magazine, International Railway Journal, reports on a high-speed derailment that occurred in Italy this morning. This story was written by IRJ Editor Kevin Smith.

Trenitalia’s 9595 Milan – Salerno service departed Milan Central Station at 05.10 and left Milan Rogoredo at 05.20. The accident subsequently occurred at around 05.30 on a four-track section of the high-speed line adjacent to the A1 highway near Casalpusterlengo, in the province of Lodi, around 50km southeast of Milan.

Judging by video footage from the scene of the accident, it appears that the train derailed at a switch, crossing the adjacent running line and four sidings. The leading driving car veered left, colliding with two freight wagons and coming to rest on its side facing the opposite direction of travel beside a building. One of the lead car’s bogies smashed into and was imbedded in the corner of the building. The rest of the train derailed and continued down the ballast between the two tracks, with the second coach also coming to rest on its side. The rest of the train remained upright.

Italian State Railways (FS) confirmed in a statement on its website that two drivers [engineers] were killed in the accident.

“FS and all railway workers express deep condolences for the death of the two fellow drivers of the 9595 Milan – Salerno high-speed train,” the statement said. “FS is offering maximum support to the family members of its colleagues and all the people involved in the accident this morning.”

Trenitalia and NTV.italo trains are being diverted onto the conventional line via Piacenza, between Milan and Bologna, adding 40-60 minutes to journey times. Trenitalia cancelled 22 Frecciarossa trains on February 6 and partially cancelled three Frecciabianca and six Inter City trains. NTV also cancelled or delayed services on February 6.

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