Human Error Causes Train Collision in St. Gallen, Injuring Three

A train collision occurred in St. Gallen due to human error rather than technical faults. Initial safety measures were correctly in place before the incident took place. The crash resulted in injuries to the excavator operator, a worker, and the train driver. The excavator was working in its assigned zone on Track 23. It later left this area without proper coordination. The machine then moved into unsecured Track 13, bypassing the safety officer’s oversight.

During a pivot manoeuvre, the excavator entered the clearance profile of the active Track 14. This unauthorised movement made the original safety precautions ineffective. The collision followed shortly after.

Investigations confirmed that neither vehicle defects nor technical malfunctions contributed to the accident. Officials noted that an additional blockade on Track 22 could have prevented the excavator from leaving its designated area. Operational and organisational misjudgments were identified as the primary causes. The incident injured three individuals and highlighted failures in coordination. Authorities concluded that stricter adherence to protocols and additional physical barriers might have averted the crash. Human decision-making was the decisive factor in the event.