Krouna train accident explained

Krouna train accident
Coordinates:49.7883°N 16.0331°W
Date:24 June 1995
Location:Krouna
Country:Czech Republic
Line:Svitavy – Žďárec u Skutče (line nr. 261)
Operator:Czech Railways
Type:Collision
Trains:2
Passengers:23
Deaths:19
Injuries:4

The Krouna train accident was a rail accident that happened on 24 June 1995 near Krouna, Pardubice Region, Czech Republic. With 19 dead, it was the deadliest rail accident of the 1990s in the Czech Republic[1] and one of the worst rail disasters in Czech history.[2]

A part of a freight train which was not properly braked and secured got loose during shunting at Čachnov station. Four cars picked speed (estimated to be 100 km/h) on a long descent and collided head-on with oncoming single class 810 diesel car. At that time, engine drivers were not equipped with wireless communication, so there was no way to warn the crew and passengers in time.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Před 15 lety si srážka u Krouny vyžádala 19 obětí. Czech. Deník. 23 June 2010. 4 January 2014.
  2. Web site: U Skutče jely proti sobě dva vlaky, strojvedoucí je zastavili. Czech. Radio Prague. 18 June 2011. 4 January 2014.