A passenger train traveling from Hatvan to Szolnok derailed near Újszász on Thursday afternoon, according to Zsolt Hegyi, CEO of the MÁV Group. No injuries were reported among the 15 people on board, though the incident has triggered significant disruptions across multiple rail lines. Authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the cause of the derailment.
Incident details and safety measures
The derailment occurred shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Thursday. Zsolt Hegyi stated that the train was traveling below the section’s 40 kilometer-per-hour speed limit at the time of the accident. Upon noticing the derailment, the train driver brought the vehicle to an immediate stop, preventing further escalation of the incident. The Transportation Safety Organization has joined MÁV in conducting a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.
The train involved in the Thursday afternoon derailment was carrying 15 passengers, all of whom remained unharmed following the incident.
Transportation disruptions and recovery
The technical recovery of the tracks is expected to last for an indefinite period, according to Mávinform. Passengers on the Budapest–Újszász–Szolnok, Hatvan–Szolnok, and Vámosgyörk–Szolnok lines should expect significant service modifications. While local traffic is heavily impacted, Békés InterCity services are being diverted via the Cegléd main line to ensure continued transit, arriving in Szolnok with an anticipated 30-minute delay.
The decision to divert long-distance InterCity traffic to the Cegléd line while utilizing shuttle services and replacement buses for regional lines indicates a strategic effort by MÁV to prioritize high-capacity routes. However, the indefinite nature of the technical recovery suggests that commuters should prepare for a prolonged period of operational instability and potential cumulative delays across the regional network.
Service changes by route
Operations have been adjusted to manage the affected sections:
- Budapest–Újszász–Békéscsaba: Z60 trains are running only between Budapest and Tápiógyörgye, with replacement buses covering the Tápiógyörgye–Újszász segment. An hourly shuttle service operates between Újszász and Szolnok.
- Hatvan–Szolnok: S820 trains are limited to the Jászboldogháza-Jánoshida and Hatvan section. Replacement buses serve the Újszász–Jászboldogháza-Jánoshida route, passing through Tápiógyörgye.
- Vámosgyörk–Szolnok: Personal trains are operating only between Vámosgyörk and Jászladány. Passengers must transfer to replacement buses for the Jászladány–Újszász segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were there any injuries during the derailment?
No, there were no reported personal injuries among the 15 passengers on the train.
How long will the rail line repairs take?
According to Mávinform, the duration of the technical recovery is currently uncertain.
Are replacement buses available for all affected lines?
Yes, MÁV has implemented replacement bus services to bridge the gaps in the affected sections, particularly between Tápiógyörgye, Újszász, Jászboldogháza-Jánoshida, and Jászladány.
How are you planning to adjust your travel schedule given these ongoing service limitations?
