A 22-year-old man has died after being struck by a passenger train in eastern Slovakia, prompting a criminal inquiry. The incident, which occurred Sunday evening between Hanušovce nad Topľou and Pavlovce, caused significant disruption to rail service and led to a temporary suspension of traffic in the area. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, and while the train operator tested negative for alcohol, the case has been reclassified as a homicide investigation following the man’s death Monday.
A 22-year-old man died after being struck by a passenger train in eastern Slovakia on Sunday evening, authorities said. The incident disrupted rail service and prompted a criminal investigation.
The collision occurred between the Hanušovce nad Topľou train station and the Pavlovce train stop around 6:45 p.m., according to a statement from the Prešov Police Department. “A 22-year-old man was hit. The train operator was unable to prevent the collision, and the man remained trapped under the train’s chassis,” said police spokesperson Jana Ligdayová.
The young man was transported to a hospital in Prešov with serious injuries. Tragically, officials confirmed Monday that he succumbed to those injuries. Police have launched a criminal investigation into the incident, initially as a case of causing bodily harm, but will reclassify it as a homicide investigation.
Train Service Interrupted, Investigation Underway
The passenger train involved was traveling from Humenné to Prešov. The incident caused rail traffic to be suspended in the affected area between 6:45 p.m. and 9:38 p.m., resulting in delays for some trains. Substitute bus service was provided for passengers. “No passengers on the train were injured,” said Ján Baček, a spokesperson for the Slovak Railway Company.
The train operator underwent a breathalyzer test, which came back negative. This tragic event underscores the dangers of railway trespass and the importance of rail safety awareness.
