Train driver involved in fatal crash suspected of public endangerment through negligence

Police are investigating one of the drivers involved in Tuesday’s fatal train collision near the Czech-German border on suspicion of public endangerment through negligence.

Two people were killed and 24 injured in the head-on collision of two passenger trains, one of which was travelling from Karlovy Vary to Johanngeorgenstadt in Germany, the other going in the opposite direction.

The accident happened near Pernink, about 10 kilometres from the border with Germany, in hilly wooded terrain that complicated the rescue effort.

Of those injured, nine had serious or severe injuries and were airlifted to nearby hospitals. A German citizen is reported to be among those hurt.