Gasparik: Faster ETCS Installation Necessary After Pezinok Train Collision

Bratislava, 10 November (TASR) – It is essential to accelerate the installation of on-board European Train Control System (ETCS) units in locomotives and to gradually introduce exclusive operation of trains equipped with active ETCS on corridor lines, Deputy Dean for Science and Research at the Zilina University Jozef Gasparik declared on Monday in response to the train collision near Pezinok. The railway line near Pezinok, where the collision occurred on Sunday (9 November), is among the most modern in Slovakia. It is equipped with the European ETCS system, which can automatically stop a train if necessary. “According to available information, the accident involved a regional train operated by a class 861 diesel multiple unit that did not have an on-board ETCS unit installed. In such cases, monitoring signals and driving the train are entirely the responsibility of the driver,” Gasparik explained. He noted that even after the modernisation of railway lines, some trains still operate on ETCS-equipped tracks without the necessary on-board system during a transitional period. One of the reasons is the high cost of the installation, which exceeds half a million euros per locomotive. According to Gasparik, it is, however, essential to speed up the equipping of locomotives with modern systems and to allow operation only of trains fitted with the device on upgraded lines. “The share of trains equipped with active ETCS on the Bratislava–Trnava section, according to the timetable, ranges between 60 and 75 percent, but in reality, it is often lower due to emergency situations and substitute locomotive deployment,” he added. Gasparik said that the common factor in the Pezinok and Roznava accidents is likely human error, though this does not mean that staff act irresponsibly. He emphasised that railway transport maintains very high safety standards and that train drivers undergo comprehensive training. However, the nature of their work demands high levels of concentration, especially on lines without active train protection systems. “Since 2025, the minimum age for train drivers has been reduced to 19 years. Therefore, in my opinion, it is necessary to reassess the system of education and professional examinations, strengthen the role of the infrastructure management in this process, and enhance practical training,” Gasparik stated. On Sunday evening (9 November), two trains collided near Pezinok. Train REX 1814, departing from Pezinok station, crashed into train Ex 620. The likely cause was one of the trains passing a red signal. There were no fatalities, but dozens of passengers were injured. Seventy-nine people were taken to hospitals, three of them with serious chest and abdominal injuries, while 60 sustained minor injuries. In mid-October, another rail accident occurred in the Kosice region. Near the village of Jablonov nad Turnou, two express trains collided at a point where the lines intersect and merge into a single track. Following the accident, seven people were reported in critical condition, 14 moderately injured, and 48 slightly injured. Transport Minister Jozef Raz (nominee of Smer-SD) offered his resignation to Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on Monday. The offer was rejected. The Prime Minister instead instructed the Transport Minister to immediately dismiss the management of the Slovak railway passenger carrier ZSSK. mf