Dozens of people were injured on Thursday morning when two trains collided between Zliv and Dívčice stations, southwest of České Budějovice, in a crash that has prompted a full-scale investigation by Czech railway authorities.

The accident occurred around 6:20 a.m., when the R 658 express train (České Budějovice – Plzeň) struck the Os 8053 passenger train (Dívčice – České Budějovice), according to Czech Railways.

Rescue teams responded swiftly: seven ground crews and a medical helicopter were deployed to the scene.

Five people with serious injuries were transported to the hospital in České Budějovice, spokeswoman Iva Nováková confirmed.

Initial reports varied: first, emergency services said two people were seriously hurt and 42 had minor injuries.

Later updates from authorities, however, indicated approximately 40 people with minor injuries, 15 with moderate injuries, and two with severe injuries.

Evacuations were carried out, and all passengers from both trains have been removed and are now in the care of rescuers.

In response to the collision, train traffic on the route between České Budějovice and Plzeň has been suspended. Czech Railways has arranged replacement bus services for affected commuters.

Railway investigators have arrived on site to determine the cause of the crash.

Jan Kučera, Inspector General of the Railway Inspection Office, said a team of four investigators is working to establish whether the collision was due to human error, technical failure, or systemic issues.

According to local media, one possibility under review is that one train may have passed a signal at “stop.” Witnesses reportedly saw both trains coming into view from several hundred meters apart but claimed they were unable to stop in time.

The municipality of České Budějovice has set up an information hotline for relatives of the passengers.

Meanwhile, emergency services continue to triage and treat injured passengers in regional hospitals, including those in Písek, Strakonice, and Prachatice.

Authorities emphasize the line will remain closed until investigators complete a full forensic and technical analysis, and the clean-up operation is finished.

This incident comes amid broader concerns about rail safety in central Europe. While the exact cause has not yet been publicly confirmed, speculation over potential signal violations has reignited debate over the modernization and safety systems of older railway lines. (ILKHA)