Two trains collide near České Budějovice, five seriously injured

Two trains collided near České Budějovice on Wednesday morning, leaving five people seriously injured and dozens more with minor injuries.

The R 658 express train struck the Os 8053 passenger train between Zliví and Dívčice stations around 6:20 am, forcing authorities to halt rail traffic on the line and arrange replacement bus services.

Czech Railways confirmed the collision involved two of its trains during morning rush hour, when services typically carry commuters heading to work.

Seven rescue crews and a helicopter responded to the accident scene. České Budějovice hospital received five seriously injured passengers, according to spokeswoman Iva Nováková in a statement to Czech media.

Emergency services initially reported two seriously injured and 42 with minor injuries before updating the figures.