Slovakia was rocked by a devastating train collision late Saturday evening on the busy Pezinok–Bratislava Main Station line, one of the country’s most traveled routes. Authorities confirmed that at least 30 passengers were injured, with several rushed to nearby hospitals after two trains crashed head-on just outside the capital.

The collision occurred shortly before 10 p.m. local time. Witnesses describe a scene of chaos — “a deafening crash followed by smoke and screams,” said one passenger who managed to escape with minor injuries. Others reported being thrown from their seats as lights flickered and the train screeched to a stop.

Emergency services from Pezinok and Bratislava responded within minutes. Firefighters, medics, and police flooded the area, cutting through twisted metal to reach trapped passengers. The Slovak Red Cross confirmed dozens of ambulances were dispatched as rescue operations stretched late into the night.

Photos and videos circulating on Slovak social media show overturned carriages, broken glass, and rescue workers carrying people on stretchers under flashing emergency lights. One image shows a group of passengers huddled together, covered in soot and blood, as paramedics work nearby.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, but early reports suggest that one of the trains failed to stop at a signal or was traveling at an excessive speed on a section under maintenance. The Slovak Transport Ministry has ordered an immediate investigation and suspended rail traffic on the line until further notice.

“It’s a miracle more people weren’t killed,” said a local official who visited the scene. “The collision happened just minutes before the trains were scheduled to cross paths safely — something went terribly wrong.”

The Bratislava Main Station corridor is a critical connection point for commuters and travelers heading to Austria and the Czech Republic. Saturday’s crash caused massive disruptions, with all services between Pezinok and Bratislava suspended indefinitely.

For families waiting at the station, panic and confusion spread as information trickled in. “We just want to know our relatives are alive,” said one woman clutching her phone, tears in her eyes.

As the night went on, volunteers brought blankets and water to survivors and emergency staff. Many residents from nearby neighborhoods offered help, opening their homes to those stranded by the halted rail service.

Investigators are now reviewing onboard data recorders and signal logs to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is expected to issue a statement once the full casualty report is available.

Officials have urged the public to avoid sharing unverified footage online as rumors of fatalities began to circulate. As of Sunday morning, authorities maintained that all victims had been accounted for and were receiving treatment.

This is one of the most serious train incidents Slovakia has faced in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about outdated rail infrastructure and limited safety upgrades on regional lines.

Follow-up updates will be posted as more details emerge about the victims, cause, and aftermath of this tragic event.