Leo Express train crash in Slovakia kills truck driver

The Leo Express train collision near Bratislava killed a truck driver and injured 21 passengers. Slovak police are investigating the crash as a crime of public endangerment. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The accident happened on Thursday morning at a railway crossing near Dunajská Streda. Meanwhile, traffic between the crash site and Dolný Štál came to a halt. Dolný Štál is southeast of Bratislava near the Hungarian border.

Leo Express train collision near Dunajská Streda

As reported by RailTech, the incident took place shortly before 09:15. The Czech private operator’s REX 1433 service was carrying almost 50 passengers. It hit the truck at an active light-controlled crossing without barriers. Also, the train derailed on impact. The 58-year-old truck driver was killed.

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Leo Express spokesperson Emil Sedlařík told TASR that 21 passengers were injured. “The injuries are mainly caused by broken glass,” he said. He added that “one passenger has a head injury.” He also said the company’s priority had been “the safety of passengers and train crew.” The extent of the damage would be assessed later.

Rail traffic suspension and investigation

Also, the crash caused a diesel fuel leak. It prompted the deployment of a specialist EKOS technical unit. Rail services between Dunajská Streda and Dolný Štál were suspended after the accident. Still, the line reopened at 20:30.

Meanwhile, police said the train driver tested negative for both alcohol and drugs. An autopsy has been ordered for the truck driver.

Bratislava–Dunajská Streda–Komárno line upgrade

Separately, Slovak Railways is preparing an upgrade of the Bratislava–Dunajská Streda–Komárno line. The line is now in the environmental impact assessment process. The proposals cover the Bratislava–Dunajská Streda section. They also cover the rest of the route to Komárno.

A feasibility study completed in 2025 proposes double-tracking the Bratislava–Dunajská Streda section. Also, it proposes electrifying the full line to Komárno. In addition, it calls for line speeds of 120 km/h. It also calls for modernising infrastructure, including the rollout of ERTMs on the line.

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