Swiss Train Derails After Avalanche in Valais, Several Injured

A train derailed in Switzerland on Monday, February 16, 2026, after an avalanche struck the railway line near Goppenstein in the canton of Valais. Approximately 80 passengers were on board at the time of the incident, and authorities report that several people were injured.

Details of the Derailment

The train, operated by Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon (BLS), was traveling southbound from Spiez towards Brig when it derailed around 7:00 AM local time. A spokesperson for BLS confirmed to 20 Minuten that an avalanche caused the derailment . It remains unclear whether the train was directly hit by the avalanche or derailed as a result of the surrounding snow.

Rescue Efforts and Injuries

Emergency services, including ambulances and rescue helicopters, were dispatched to the scene immediately following the derailment. As of 10:00 AM local time, 30 people had been evacuated from the train . Police have stated that injuries are “likely” , but the severity of those injuries has not yet been specified.

Avalanche Risk and Service Disruptions

Authorities had issued warnings about a high risk of avalanches in the Valais canton last week, following a period of heavy snowfall across the Alps . The Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) raised the threat level to four, the second highest on its scale, on February 11, 2026, citing a fresh layer of snow settling on a weak base layer .

Train services on the Frutigen-Brig line have been suspended and are expected to remain so until at least Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and . The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has indicated the disruption is expected to last until 4:00 AM on Tuesday .

Recent Avalanche Activity in the Alps

This incident follows a series of avalanches in the Alps in recent days. At least four off-piste skiers, including two British citizens, have been killed in avalanches in the French Alps . An avalanche in Italy on Sunday, February 15, 2026, killed one skier and injured another near the Mont Blanc massif .

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.