Catastrophic Train Crash in Czechia: Tankers on Fire, 10M EUR in Damages

A serious railway accident occurred in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, where a freight train carrying seventeen benzene-filled tankers derailed. The environment and railway infrastructure were both affected, with damages currently estimated at 10 million EUR.

Friday’s tanker train crash in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, Czech Republic, has shaken the public.

Friday’s Tanker Train Crash in Hustopeče nad Bečvou: Damages Reach 10 Million EUR

New details are emerging regarding the extent of the damage, which is currently estimated at around 10 million EUR. On Friday, a freight train derailed, causing benzene to leak from damaged tankers. The train was carrying seventeen benzene-filled tankers, fifteen of which caught fire. Due to the severity of the incident, firefighters declared a special fire alarm level.

Pásové rypadlo @zuhzscr včera dokončilo 12 hlubinných sond pro monitoring stavu podzemních vod. ČIŽP zahájí odběr kontrolních vzorků. Do akce se dnes opět vydá náš Cobra tým, který bude speciálním zařízením na řezání vodním paprskem navrtávat další cisterny k odvětrání. (LB) pic.twitter.com/jawOZaZOu6

— Hasiči Olomouc 🚒👨‍🚒🔥 (@hasici_olomouc) March 5, 2025

Benzene Leaking from Tankers: Firefighters Battle the Blaze

At the crash site, firefighters managed to pump out benzene from two tankers, which were then removed, with more awaiting processing. "The remaining tankers need to be opened, drained, and ventilated. Soil decontamination must also take place. In cooperation with railway operators, we are doing everything possible to restore service as quickly as possible. Temporary suspensions on alternate routes have been lifted, but given the extent of the damage, a full return to normal operations will take several weeks," reported Správa železnic on Monday via the social network X.

U požáru benzolu unikajícího z poškozené železniční cisterny zasahují hasiči v Hustopečích nad Bečvou na Přerovsku. Dosud nejsou hlášena žádná zranění. Na místě pomáhají také jihomoravští letečtí záchranáři na palubě policejního vrtulníku. pic.twitter.com/3nKfdJLTzb

— Události Brno (@UdalostiBrno) February 28, 2025

Firefighters Continue Clearing the Aftermath of Friday’s Tanker Accident

Today, Olomouc firefighters shared updates on social media regarding the ongoing cleanup efforts. "We are working across four different sections. In cooperation with @Spravazeleznic, we have put one of the tankers back on the tracks. We are gradually removing overhead line poles from the wagons and tracks. A crawler excavator is digging probes, we are installing oil booms. The tankers are being opened and ventilated under full protective measures," they stated.

Additionally, firefighters are continuously measuring benzene levels in the air around Hustopeče, but so far, no exceeded limits have been detected. The Railway Inspectorate is investigating the possible causes of Friday’s derailment, considering both technical failures on the track or train and potential human error. Meanwhile, police are treating the incident as a case of general endangerment due to negligence.

Train Accidents Involving Hazardous Chemicals Are Highly Dangerous

Firefighters and Správa železnic are now focused on decontamination and restoring operations, while the investigation into the cause of the accident continues. Interestingly, just recently, firefighters conducted a drill for handling toxic gas leaks—a scenario eerily similar to the real-life emergency they are now facing.

🔥 Jedovatý plyn nanečisto!

Naši hasiči trénovali na plzeňském nádraží zásah při úniku nebezpečné chemikálie z cisterny. Ta začala hořet a uvolňovala do okolí jedovatý plyn. Během cvičení si ověřili svůj um při hašení požáru v chemických oblecích, zastavení úniku látky, vymezení… pic.twitter.com/GQPASSaGk9

— Správa železnic (@Spravazeleznic) February 19, 2025

Source: Hasiči Olomouc; Správa železnic