A collision between an express train and a passenger train near Pezinok, Slovakia, has resulted in 79 passengers being hospitalized, with 13 remaining in the hospital. The incident is being blamed on human error.
The express train collided with the rear of the passenger train, sending 800 passengers into the air. This is the second such collision in the past month, with 91 people injured in a previous incident. Slovak Railways director Ivan Bednárik stated that the first train passed through a red light, entering the wrong sector, which led to the crash. He added that the express had already begun braking, thus mitigating the severity of the impact.
Prime Minister Robert Fico confirmed that the crash was due to human error. Meanwhile, locals in Pezinok, a town known for its historical monuments and viticulture, are blaming ‘excessive tourism’ for similar incidents, citing a recent tram crash in Lisbon that left 15 dead and 18 injured.
The tram incident in Lisbon, which involved the cable-pulled Glória Funicular, resulted in a tragic outcome as the tram came off the tracks before crashing into a nearby building. Fabiana Pavel, president of the Bairro Alto Residents’ Association, is placing blame on ‘excessive tourism’ leading up to the tragic train incident. He stated that the use of the tram in recent years has been inappropriate, with the population losing the ability to use it as public transport because it became a tourist attraction.
Pezinok is a modern district town with built-up industry, but it is also known for its viticulture and wine production, as well as various historical monuments. Slovakia welcomed nearly two million visitors in 2024, according to the European Union. This highlights the growing trend of tourism in the region, raising questions about the impact of mass tourism on local infrastructure and safety.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to the reporting of these incidents, underscoring the need for improved safety measures and better management of public transport in areas experiencing increasing tourist activity.