At least one person has been killed and 27 others injured after a passenger train collided with a slurry tanker and derailed in southern Denmark, authorities confirmed late Friday.
The accident occurred between the towns of Tinglev and Kliplev in southern Jutland, close to the German border. Police said a 60-year-old woman died at the scene, while five people suffered serious injuries, two of whom remain in critical condition in hospital.
A total of 106 people were on board when the train struck the tanker at a level crossing, causing at least two carriages to derail. Photos from the scene showed a carriage lying on its side, with passengers standing along the tracks as emergency crews worked to secure the site.
In an update shortly after midnight, police said cranes were being used to lift the wrecked carriages to ensure no other passengers were trapped.
Among those on board were pupils from a school in nearby Sønderborg, the train’s intended destination. None of the students or their two teachers were seriously injured, though they have been offered psychological support when they return to school on Saturday.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed condolences to those affected. “My thoughts go out to the relatives, the many injured and everyone who is currently affected by the accident. I hope that everyone gets the best possible help and support,” she said in a statement broadcast by DR.
Rail operator DSB has suspended services on the affected line until further notice, while the national rail agency Banedanmark confirmed the collision took place at a level crossing. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
