A devastating work-related accident near Boychinovtsi station in Bulgaria’s Montana region claimed the lives of two railway workers and left a third seriously injured. The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday near the village of Ohrid, close to a railway crossing in the direction of Vratsa.
The workers, employed by the National Railway Infrastructure Company, were performing routine maintenance on the railway line, including the replacement of sleepers, when they were struck by a tractor train.
Despite immediate emergency responses, two workers succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The third victim, who sustained severe injuries, was promptly transported to a hospital in Montana for urgent medical care.
The National Railway Infrastructure Company reported the incident to emergency services at 10:39 a.m. and confirmed the suspension of train traffic in the affected area. Two passenger trains were canceled as a result, with bus transportation organized to assist stranded passengers.
Officials Investigate the Cause of the Accident
District Prosecutor Rosen Petkov and representatives from the Labor Inspectorate arrived at the scene shortly after the accident to initiate an investigation. Authorities are examining the exact circumstances leading up to the collision, including potential lapses in safety protocols during the maintenance operation.
While details about the specific type of train involved—whether passenger or freight—remain unclear, the National Railway Infrastructure Company pledged full cooperation with investigators.
Safety Concerns Highlighted After Similar Incidents
This tragic event has reignited concerns about the safety of railway workers, especially during routine maintenance tasks. Earlier this year, a similar accident occurred between Telish and Gorni Dubnik stations, where a train struck two workers, resulting in one fatality and another injury.
Railway safety experts have called for stricter measures to protect workers, including enhanced visibility on tracks, improved coordination between maintenance teams and train operators, and stricter adherence to safety protocols.
Impact on Train Services and Passengers
The collision caused significant disruptions to train services in the Montana region. Two passenger trains were canceled, prompting the implementation of alternative bus services to minimize inconvenience for passengers.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families of the victims,” said a representative from the National Railway Infrastructure Company. “We are fully committed to ensuring the safety of our workers and will work closely with authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Investigations Ongoing
As of now, the precise sequence of events leading to the accident remains unclear. Investigators are focusing on several factors, including communication protocols, visibility on the tracks, and the actions of the train operator.
The Labor Inspectorate has emphasized the importance of determining whether all safety measures were in place at the time of the incident. Meanwhile, local authorities have urged patience as they work to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
The railway maintenance sector faces heightened scrutiny as this latest incident underscores the critical need for robust safety practices to protect workers in hazardous environments.