by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
COPENHAGEN (Worthy News) – An investigation was underway Friday after two local trains collided head-on north of the Danish capital Copenhagen, injuring at least 18 people, five of them critically, emergency services said.
The crash occurred early Thursday, shortly before 6:30 a.m. local time on the Gribskov Line linking the towns of Hillerød and Kagerup.
Images from the scene showed two yellow-and-grey trains facing each other on a tree-lined stretch of track, both with severe front-end damage.
Rescue teams described chaotic scenes inside the carriages, with shattered glass and debris scattered throughout.
A total of 37 people were believed to have been on board the trains at the time of the collision, police said.
PROBE UNDERWAY
“The two trains collided head-on, causing large damage to them and sending broken glass flying everywhere,” said fire and rescue service leader Christoffer Buhl Martekilde.
Authorities said it was too early to determine the cause of the crash and confirmed that an extensive investigation is underway.
Emergency services deployed 18 vehicles and 47 rescue workers to the site.
All passengers were evacuated, and officials confirmed that no one remained trapped inside the trains.
Those not physically injured were offered assistance, including psychological support, according to transport group Movia.
RESPONSE AND SUPPORT
“The serious train accident on the Gribskov Line deeply affects us at Movia, and our thoughts go out to the injured, their relatives, and Lokaltog’s employees,” said Movia board chair Kenneth Gotterup.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he had contacted Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to offer assistance.
Danish authorities declined the offer, saying local resources were sufficient to manage the situation.
Police confirmed that several passengers sustained injuries, though the full extent of their conditions remains under assessment.
Officials said emergency responders remained at the scene as recovery and investigative work continued.
RARE INCIDENT IN DENMARK
Train accidents are relatively rare in Denmark, but past incidents have highlighted potential risks.
The country’s worst railway disaster this century occurred in 2019, when a train struck an object on a bridge during a storm, killing eight people.
In 2025, another incident left one person dead and several injured after a train hit a vehicle and derailed in southern Denmark.
Authorities say Thursday’s collision will be closely examined to prevent similar accidents in the future.
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