Schlitters - There was a serious accident with a Zillertalbahn (ZVB) train at Schlitters.
 
At 10:30, Wednesday, three cars derailed.
 
One came to rest on its side after the accident.
 
According to the ZVB 31 persons were on the train.
 
Three passengers were slightly injured while the driver suffered shock.
 
According to a broadcast the train derailed in the valley at an area near a switch.
 
The train had taken the siding to make way for the steam train running along the valley.
 
The rear control car tipped over.
 
"The three passengers inside were able to leave the train across from the Tiroler newspaper building via the overhead door with the help of the fire brigade," explained Helmut Schreiner, technical director of the ZVB. They are from Germany and England and were slightly injured."
 
"They were brought to Schwaz hospital with the rescue," said firefighter Dominik Böck, press spokesman for the Schwaz district fire department.
 
The engine driver suffered from shock and was also taken to the hospital.
 
"He was in the front car, heard the rumble, and looked back to see what had happened," said Schreiner.
 
Eight rescue vehicles, five emergency doctors, a rescue helicopter, the volunteer fire departments of Schlitters, Schwaz, and Rattenberg as well as several police were in attendance.
 
ZVB employees were also on site.
 
"On the part of the ZVB, we regret this incident very much, we apologize to the injured, and will immediately deal with the competent authorities to process and analyze this derailment," said Schreiner.
 
"We would like to thank all the involved relief organizations, who were extremely fast on the scene and did a great job."
 
The operation of the ZVB continued after the accident without any restrictions.
 
Passengers on the derailed trainset were brought by bus to their destination.
 
The derailed trainset was removed on Wednesday with heavy duty cranes and salvaged.
 
The cause of the accident still has to be determined.
 
Technical failure or human error will be considered.
 
"The tachograph (a type of black box) still has to be evaluated. Possibly the turnout drive motor failed. If it does not operate properly, it will not close the points," said Schreiner on Wednesday.
 
In any case, the derailment in the switch area happened on the main line which would show traces of the derailment.
 
Following the derailment trains continued unhindered because of the double track in that area.
 
Author unknown - Loosely translated with Google.