ZSSK: Two Trains Briefly on Collision Course Near Bratislava (2)

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 ignored 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, adding that alcohol tests on employees were negative. 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 the 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. Rail-infrastructure owner ZSR told TASR that the incident occurred at 9:55 p.m. According to ZSR's press department, train R 10737 operated by ZSSK departed from track 16 without a main signal authorising departure. "The train was stopped safely within the station area via the GSM-R system by issuing the Stop by All Means signal." ZSR added that points No. 34 were run through and damaged during departure. As a result, rail traffic was temporarily affected on the Bratislava Main Station–Vinohrady section. "Trains were running in both directions on a single line, with some delays recorded. On tracks 8a and 6a, passengers were transferred from train R 10737 to train R 10736 under the supervision of train staff," said ZSR. ZSR added that following inspections by its employees, the points were declared passable without restrictions, and traffic was gradually restored. NOTE: This story has been updated in paragraph 2 and extended to include paragraphs 5-8 mf/df