ZSSK: Two Trains Briefly on Collision Course Near Bratislava

Bratislava 30 January (TASR) - Two trains were briefly heading towards each other on the Bratislava-Vinohrady section on Thursday evening (29 January), after the driver of express train R 10737 passed a 'Stop' signal, spokesperson for state-owned passenger carrier ZSSK Jan Bacek confirmed for TASR on Thursday, adding that the trains were at a safe distance from each other, approximately four kilometres. "No collision occurred. Operations were immediately halted, and the situation was resolved in line with valid safety procedures. No passengers or employees suffered any injuries," said Bacek. The train in question was a ZSSK express with conventional rolling stock. The engine is equipped with the ETCS system, but the ETCS system isn't in operation on the section concerned, and so it couldn't actively intervene in the train's movement, the spokesman explained. "The causes and circumstances of the incident are the subject of an investigation. ZSSK, in cooperation with the infrastructure manager, is reviewing all circumstances of the incident, including the technical and operational aspects," said Bacek, adding that it won't be possible to draw final conclusions until the investigation is concluded. mf/df