Near Head-on Train Collision Averted in Slovakia's Liptov Region

Emergency Stop Averts Disaster in Liptov

A potentially catastrophic head-on collision between an express passenger train and a freight train was narrowly avoided on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the Liptov area of Slovakia. The incident occurred on the railway line connecting Liptovský Mikuláš and Liptovský Hrádok, specifically near the Liptovský Hrádok railway station. Both trains managed to come to a halt just 20 to 30 meters from each other, preventing a major accident.

Details of the Near-Collision

The express passenger train, identified as Ex 609, and the freight train were reportedly traveling towards each other on the same track. Jan Baček, spokesperson for the national passenger rail carrier ZSSK, confirmed that the express train successfully stopped safely in front of the oncoming freight train. This critical intervention prevented what could have been a severe incident involving two active rail services.

Investigation Points to Human Error

Preliminary investigations into the near-collision suggest that human error was the likely cause. According to Petra Lániková, spokesperson for Slovak Railways (ŽSR), the incident is believed to be linked to the activities of a railway worker and anomalies in the management of train movements. Baček further elaborated that the circumstances relate to train traffic management, which falls under the responsibility of the rail infrastructure manager. An investigation is currently underway to determine if a mistake by railway staff involved in directing or signaling the trains contributed to the event, and to scrutinize operational procedures and communication protocols.

Impact on Rail Services and Broader Concerns

The averted collision led to immediate disruptions across the Slovak rail network. ZSSK announced via social media that several trains experienced delays or cancellations as a direct consequence of the incident. This event has also brought renewed attention to the ongoing challenges within Slovakia's rail infrastructure, particularly concerning the modernization of signaling systems. Experts and officials have previously highlighted the need for significant investment in upgrading the country's railway safety mechanisms to mitigate risks associated with human error and outdated technology.