Two Trains Collide Head-On in Denmark, Leaving Five Critically Injured

Two passenger trains collided head-on at a level crossing between Hillerød and Kagerup, approximately 40km northwest of Copenhagen, at 06:29 local time on Thursday, injuring 18 people from the 37 passengers aboard. Five people sustained critical injuries and were airlifted to the National Hospital in Copenhagen, while 13 others suffered less serious injuries and were transported by ambulance. Denmark's Accident Investigation Board arrived at the scene, though Inspector Morten Pedersen stated it was too early to determine the cause. An unnamed expert suggested one driver may have over-ridden a stop signal, noting the Gribskov line lacks automated safety systems despite rail accidents being rare in Denmark.

Details of the train collision and casualties

• ▪The train collision occurred at 06:29 local time on Thursday
• ▪The train collision in Denmark left 13 people with less serious injuries
• ▪A total of 37 people were on board the two trains that collided in Denmark
• ▪The trains were travelling on a line linking the towns of Hillerød and Kagerup in North Zealand, Denmark
• ▪The train collision occurred between the towns of Hillerød and Kagerup about 40km north-west of Copenhagen

Emergency response and official reactions

• ▪Trine Egetved is the mayor of the Gribskov municipality in Denmark
• ▪Tim Ole Simonsen works for the Greater Copenhagen fire department
• ▪People with critical injuries from the Denmark train collision were flown to the National Hospital in Copenhagen

Investigation into the cause and safety concerns

• ▪Denmark's Accident Investigation Board arrived at the scene of the train collision during the morning
• ▪Inspector Morten Pedersen of North Zealand police said it was far too early to know the cause of the Denmark train crash

Perspective of Inspector Morten Pedersen of North Zealand police

• ▪Inspector Morten Pedersen stated it was far too early to determine what caused the Denmark train collision