Denmark: Train service partially resumes on Great Belt Bridge Jan. 3 /update 2

Event

Danish rail operator Banedanmark announced on Thursday, January 3, that train services has begun to resume on the Great Belt Bridge following a deadly accident on the previous day. As of Thursday afternoon (local time), both passenger and freight trains have been permitted to travel across the bridge at reduced speeds. Rail service disruptions continue in the area, with some trains between Copenhagen and Esbjerg being canceled. InterCity and express Lyntog trains are also not using the bridge and are being replaced with buses. Residual transportation disruptions are possible in the coming days as officials continue to investigate the accident.

Context

At least eight people were killed and another 16 injured on January 2 in an accident involving a high-speed commuter train and a freight train on the Great Belt Bridge, which connects the islands of Funen and Zealand. Rail officials indicate the passenger train involved in the incident was traveling between Broby municipality and Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup Station. Police subsequently halted automobile and rail traffic for several hours and have imposed a photography ban in the vicinity of the crash.

Advice

Individuals in Denmark, particularly those traveling between Zealand and Funen, are advised to confirm the status of their rail travel, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate rail and road transportation disruptions.