Slovakia’s government has replaced three top administrators of the state-owned railway company following two train collisions within a month, which left dozens injured.
The most recent accident occurred on Sunday in western Slovakia, where one train collided with another near the town of Pezinok, approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Bratislava. Initial reports indicate that one train may have departed the station against a red signal, causing an express train to collide with it from behind. Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj-Eštok confirmed that dozens were lightly injured, with 11 taken to hospital.
This collision follows a head-on crash in eastern Slovakia on October 13th, which injured around 20 people. Both incidents are currently under investigation.
Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the leadership of the railway company, ZSR, had to be changed. The Transport Ministry announced
As of today, a new CEO and board chairwoman, along with two new board members, are taking office.
The trio will serve on an interim basis until permanent appointments are made.
In 2022, seven people died and five were injured when a passenger train collided with a bus at a railway crossing. A similar accident in 2009 killed 12 people.
