Near-miss in Croatia — freight train ran a red signal, driver suspended

A freight train in Croatia passed a red signal near Škrljevo on Friday afternoon, forcing railway staff to cut power and avert a collision with an oncoming passenger service, HŽ Cargo reported.

The incident occurred at 13:06 between the stations of Škrljevo and Meja, when a HŽ Cargo freight train ran a red signal on the semaphore at Škrljevo and failed to stop for a planned crossing with a passenger train coming from Zagreb. Train number 4000, bound from Zagreb to Rijeka, carried about 45 passengers at the time.

Safety measures halted trains and passengers moved by bus

Employees of HŽ Infrastructure noticed the safety breach and, following established procedures, immediately cut the power in the overhead contact system. The action brought both trains to a halt at a safe distance from each other; the passenger travelers were accommodated and later transported by bus to Rijeka.

The main Zagreb–Rijeka line was closed while crews completed necessary procedures; normal rail traffic resumed at 17:35.

HŽ Cargo said the freight locomotive driver has been removed from duty pending a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the serious safety lapse.

Commenting on the response, HŽ Cargo added: "Once again, we thank the employees of HŽ Infrastructure who responded quickly and correctly." The company also stated: "Our locomotive drivers are continuously trained and educated with a special emphasis on safety. Checks are regular and prescribed, but clearly not sufficient. Even though the investigation into both incidents is still ongoing, the Management already yesterday initiated an extraordinary procedure for increased field inspections and a re-examination of the oversight and control model itself. The safety of all transport participants is an absolute priority and we will insist on that in all further work and action."

The near-miss came one day after a serious collision between a freight and a passenger train near Križevci, when around 25 people were reported injured in a crash that took place at about 10:00 on the Sveti Ivan Žabno–Gradec section.

Photo: Слободен печат / Драган Митрески