Bomb threat halts Ukraine-Hungary trains, authorities respond

Two international trains travelling from Ukraine to Hungary were delayed overnight from Wednesday to Thursday after bomb threats triggered emergency security checks, the Hungarian State Railways (MÁV) has confirmed. The alerts ultimately proved to be false, with no explosives or other dangers found on board.

Overnight bomb alert in Ukraine

The bomb scare occurred in the early hours of Thursday, affecting the Transcarpathia and Ruthenia express trains, both of which were en route from Ukraine to Hungary, Telex reported. Ukrainian authorities were alerted to the threat before the trains crossed the border, prompting an immediate response from bomb disposal units.

According to MÁV, Ukrainian explosive ordnance experts thoroughly inspected both trains while they were still on Ukrainian territory.

“Based on the information available, the alerts turned out to be false in both cases. Specialists found no explosive devices or other hazardous materials,” the Hungarian railway company said in a statement.

MÁV staff involved after inspections

MÁV employees became involved at different stages of the journeys. On one train, Hungarian railway staff only began service after the train had crossed the border at Chop (Csap) station, following the completion of the security checks. On the other, Hungarian staff were already on board from Uzhhorod (Ungvár).