Switzerland train crash

A regional train has derailed in the Swiss Alps. The accident occurred at an altitude of 1,216 meters near the southern town of Goppenstein on Monday (February 16). Local police and news agency AFP confirmed that at least five passengers were injured, one of whom was in a critical condition in hospital.
Police said a preliminary investigation showed that a large avalanche crossed the railway line just before the train arrived, causing the accident. The avalanche alert in the region is currently at the second highest level (level 4). Although rescue operations are being hampered by heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions, the public prosecutor’s office has opened a detailed investigation into the incident. The death toll from avalanches in the Alps has increased alarmingly in recent days. Three skiers died in an avalanche in the French resort of Val d’Ise on Friday (February 13).
Meanwhile, a record 13 climbers and skiers died in avalanches in Italy last week. New snowfall and strong winds have created extremely dangerous conditions with layers of ice accumulating on the mountain. Experts have warned that the mountain slopes are now so unstable that even the slightest pressure or movement by skiers could trigger major avalanches. Tourists and skiers have been advised not to travel to unmarked and undeveloped mountain areas outside the Olympic sites.

Source: Al Jazeera.