Czech Train Collision Injures 42 Near České Budějovice

An express train collided with a passenger train near the southern Czech city of České Budějovice early Thursday morning, injuring at least 42 people, two of them seriously, authorities reported.

The accident occurred around 6:20 a.m. between Zliví and Dívčice stations during the morning rush hour, when trains are typically crowded with commuters. The R 658 express train, heading toward Plzeň, struck the Os 8053 passenger train, according to Czech Railways officials. Emergency responders, including seven rescue crews and a medical helicopter, rushed to the scene to treat the injured and evacuate passengers. Regional rescue services confirmed that about 40 people sustained light injuries, while two were hospitalized in serious condition at České Budějovice hospital.

Rail traffic on the busy line between České Budějovice and Plzeň was immediately suspended, with no resumption expected until the afternoon. Authorities arranged replacement bus services to accommodate stranded passengers. All individuals on board were safely removed from the trains, said Martin Kavka, a spokesman for rail operator Sprava zeleznic.

Investigators from the Railway Inspection arrived promptly at the site...