Video shows dangerous situation on Simplon line due to defective brakes: driver jumps from SBB freight train at 60 km/h

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On Wednesday morning there was a hectic situation with an SBB freight train on the Simplon train route. On the route between the Swiss border and Domodossola, Italy, the driver suddenly noticed that something was wrong with the brakes. He immediately contacted the nearest train station, Preglia, and instructed those responsible to keep the train route clear.

Because he could not stop, the driver managed to get to safety near Preglia station and jump from the train at about 60 kilometers per hour. As a result, the combination ran as a ghost train for about 15 kilometers without any personnel on board, reports ‘La Stampa’.

Stopped at freight yard

When the freight train passed Domodossola station, it was directed towards Beura station via sidings. There, the Italian railway employees determined the course so that the ghost train reached a siding at the freight station. According to the report, the speed of the combination was reduced until the train could be stopped by “the use of some safety systems”.

The driver suffered broken bones, but is otherwise fine. An ambulance team attended to him at Preglia train station and took him to hospital.

The freight train was operated by SBB Cargo International. When requested by Blick, the SBB did not provide any information about the incident. The responsibility for this lies with the Italian authorities. They have started an investigation into the accident. (no/ymh)

Source: Blick