A derailment occurred late Sunday night involving two freight wagons near Kaisepakte station, located 70 kilometers west of Kiruna. Fortunately, the wagons did not topple over but remained on the embankment with their wheels off the rails. As inspections of the site continue, it has been confirmed that the derailment has led to significant disruption, stalling both passenger and freight services, including vital mineral transport, at least through Monday and Tuesday.

The Swedish Transport Administration inspected the site on Monday and reported damage to around 40 sleepers, with some rail and the railway crossing also sustaining damage. Simon Sunna, the section chief at Trafikverket, assured that compared to previous derailments on this line, the current situation is comparatively manageable. However, the delay in restoring service could have significant implications, especially for LKAB, the mining company reliant on these transport lines for its revenue, as extended disruptions may lead to substantial financial losses.

The Malmbana route is crucial for mineral transport, and LKAB's operations heavily depend on its functionality. As local authorities and transport agencies assess the damage and work on repairs, the urgency of restoring normal service operations has become a high priority to mitigate economic impacts on LKAB and ensure the continuity of goods transportation in the region.