Lengthy operation

Train derails at Semmering: closure lifted

Following an accident involving a Czech freight train near Breitenstein (Neunkirchen district) on Thursday, the Semmering railroad line has been single-track again since Friday. One wagon derailed at around 10.30 a.m., another had an axle jump off the rails. No one was injured and a replacement bus service was set up between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag. The closure was lifted shortly before 0.30 am.

The two affected wagons could be put back on the track with the help of a superstructure wagon and after an inspection of the rail infrastructure, including a check of the overhead line, rail operations were reopened, ÖBB spokesman Christopher Seif announced. Long-distance services can now be operated via Semmering again.

The train set, which was on its way from Italy to Slovakia, was not carrying any freight.

Of the 18 wagons of the freight train, those that were not derailed were able to leave the scene of the accident: The locomotive with the first two wagons continued on its own to Ebenfurth. The rear 13 were taken to Bruck an der Mur by an auxiliary train.

The cause of the accident on the border between Lower Austria and Styria is still being investigated.

(Bild: ÖBB, Krone KREATIV)

Semmering mountain line completely closed for renovation work
From Saturday to April 28, the Semmering mountain line will be completely closed for renovation work. According to ÖBB, around twelve kilometers of new track will be laid and 19 points will be replaced. The renewal of protective structures between Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag is also essential for safety along the route.

For the duration of the work, there will be no long-distance trains between Wiener Neustadt and Mürzzuschlag and no local trains between Neunkirchen and Mürzzuschlag. A rail replacement service with buses will be set up. Night trains will be diverted. Due to the work, local services have been running on rail replacement services since February 17 and the closure will last until May 20.