In November 2025, an express train named Tatran collided with a slower REX train from behind, leading to a situation where the crew of the latter was initially unaware of the incident. The investigation revealed that the engineer of the express train realized post-collision that he had run a red light, unintentionally placing his train on a collision course with another. This grave mistake culminated in over 120 injuries, with 23 individuals suffering severe injuries, and the incident incurred an estimated damage cost of three million euros.

The final report released by the Ministry of Transport this week shed light on the chaotic moments following the collision. The train conductor, who suffered a fall during the impact, described the initial confusion surrounding the event, thinking the train had hit something in front of it. Upon regaining consciousness, she was confronted with a severely injured passenger and immediately attempted to assist before seeking clarity on the situation from the engineer's cabin. Such harrowing accounts emphasize the human toll of the accident amid procedural failures.

The dispatcher on duty at the time, however, had a clearer understanding of the events as they unfolded. According to the report, a lack of communication between the dispatcher and the train engineer was critical, raising serious concerns about operational protocols, safety measures, and overall accountability in rail transport. The findings prompt a reevaluation of the communication protocols to prevent similar disasters in the future and underscore the importance of timely and decisive operational decisions in ensuring passenger safety.