Don’t risk it: Family’s near miss highlights track crossing dangers in Czechia

A family of five narrowly avoided a fatal collision with a high-speed Pendolino train at Zábřeh station on Sunday. Czech Railways credited the alertness of the train driver, who honked and applied the emergency brake, for preventing the tragedy.

The family had been crossing the tracks from the platform toward the station building as the Pendolino train, traveling from Ostrava to Prague, passed through at high speed. A passenger train departing on a nearby track further obscured their view, video footage circulating on social media revealed.

Police have classified the incident as a misdemeanor under the Railway Act, which carries a potential fine of up to CZK 10,000. The father later reported the incident to police, and his wife contacted Czech Railways to express their regret.

“There was a large crowd on the platform, and the man didn’t see signage prohibiting crossing the tracks,” police spokesman Libor Hejtman said. “The family is very sorry for their actions.”

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety on railway tracks. According to Czech Railways, a moving train can take hundreds of meters to stop, making such behavior highly dangerous.

Authorities and experts urge the public to use designated crossings and underpasses to avoid similar accidents.

Source: Transport Research Center