The derailed wagons of the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn near Andermatt are covered with fresh fallen snow. The train derailed when it was hit by an avalanche. Two of the nine passengers aboard the train suffered minor injuries - 30 Nov 2009 Urs Flueeler.

30 November 2009

Wet Snow Avalanche Rips Oberalp Train

Oberalp Pass Switzerland - Two of nine passengers were slightly injured on Monday afternoon about 14 o'clock at Oberalppasshöhe when a train was hit by a wet snow avalanche.
 
According to MGB details, the train came to a stand still a few feet below the track, on the embankment.
 
The passengers were transported by snow blower back to Andermatt where they were sent by ambulance with a care team supervised by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.
 
Shortly before the incident, the MGB had decided after consultation with cantonal avalanche specialists, that the track between Andermatt and Dieni would be blocked after 15 o'clock due to heavy snowfalls.
 
The rail route over Oberalp Pass remains locked up Tuesday morning.
 
The pass road is also blocked.