In a devastating incident, five railway workers lost their lives in northern Italy while engaged in overnight maintenance duties.
The tragedy unfolded when a train, devoid of passengers and transporting wagons along the Milan-Turin railway line, collided with the maintenance crew at a speed of 160 kilometers (99 miles) per hour.
This unfortunate incident occurred near Brandizzo, situated on the outskirts of Turin, as reported by Italian news agencies.
Fatal Collision During Maintenance Work
The fire service issued a brief statement confirming the loss of five workers due to the impact of the passing train, with two others sustaining injuries.
The victims, ranging in age from 22 to 52 years old, were tragically dragged for several meters by the train’s force.
In contrast, two of their colleagues, while unharmed, are currently under medical observation in a hospital.
The train’s driver, although uninjured physically, was understandably in a state of shock, according to Italian news outlets.
RFI’s Statement and Investigation
RFI, the company responsible for managing Italy’s rail network, verified that the fatal accident occurred when a train, not in commercial service, struck the maintenance team just before midnight.
The company expressed its profound sorrow and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
RFI also disclosed that investigations into the incident were already in progress.
Accounts from the Scene
Paolo Bodoni, the mayor of Brandizzo, relayed a harrowing description of the scene, as reported by an emergency worker, explaining that the accident had left a trail of human remains extending across 300 meters.
Bodoni described the event as a “huge tragedy” and noted that while the possibility of a communication error could not be ruled out, it would be subject to further investigation.
Temporary Suspension of Turin-Milan Rail Line
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the railway line connecting Turin and Milan remained temporarily suspended as investigations and necessary safety measures were undertaken.
Turin’s mayor, Stefano Lo Russo, expressed profound shock and extended his condolences to the grieving families, describing the incident as a “huge tragedy.”
Commentary
The loss of lives in this railway accident is a deeply tragic event, highlighting the dangers associated with essential maintenance work on railway lines.
Investigations will undoubtedly seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any lapses in communication or safety protocols contributed to this unfortunate event.
The suspension of the rail line underscores the seriousness of the situation, as authorities prioritize safety and thorough inquiry.
Our thoughts are with the families affected by this heart-wrenching incident.
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