Rail services across several important routes in Hungary were severely disrupted on Thursday afternoon after a passenger train derailed near the town of Újszász. Although no one was injured in the incident, the accident has caused significant transport restrictions and prompted an immediate investigation by railway authorities.

The train involved was operating between Hatvan and Szolnok when the derailment occurred shortly after 1 PM. As the train was entering Újszász station, the first bogie of the leading carriage left the tracks at a railway switch, blocking traffic on the affected section of the line.

The train was travelling below the speed limit

According to Zsolt Hegyi, Chief Executive Officer of the MÁV Group (Hungarian State Railways), the train was moving at a speed lower than the permitted 40 km/h limit at the time of the accident. He noted that the locomotive driver reacted immediately after noticing the derailment and brought the train to a stop without delay.

The train was carrying only 15 passengers, all of whom escaped unharmed. Authorities confirmed that no personal injuries were reported. “The circumstances of the incident require a thorough investigation,” Hegyi stated, announcing that MÁV had ordered an immediate internal inquiry.

Transport Safety Organisation launches investigation

Hungary’s Transport Safety Organisation has also begun examining the accident to determine what caused the train to leave the tracks, writes Telex.

Initial information suggests that the signalling system at the station was functioning correctly at the time of the derailment. Nevertheless, railway experts are continuing to investigate the precise technical factors behind the incident.

MÁVInform, the railway operator’s passenger information service, reported that the cause of the derailment remains unknown. It also warned that technical recovery work could take an uncertain amount of time, meaning disruptions may continue for several hours or longer.

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Replacement buses introduced on affected routes

The derailment has had a considerable impact on rail traffic in eastern and central Hungary. Replacement buses have been deployed while recovery operations are underway.

Passengers travelling on the Budapest–Újszász–Szolnok, Hatvan–Szolnok and Vámosgyörk–Szolnok railway lines are advised to check the latest timetable updates before travelling.

MÁV has urged passengers to follow information published through its official channels, as schedules may continue to change while the damaged train is removed and railway infrastructure is inspected.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of one of Hungary’s busiest rail corridors, where even a single derailment can quickly affect services across multiple regions. Investigators are now working to establish exactly why the train left the tracks despite travelling below the permitted speed limit.

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UPDATE: Service has resumed

Rail service has resumed with restrictions in Újszász, where the first car of a train derailed on Thursday afternoon, according to a statement by MÁVinform on the railway company’s website. They wrote that trains between Hatvan and Szolnok, as well as between Vámosgyörk and Szolnok, are now running past the accident site.

They noted that passengers on the Budapest–Újszász–Szolnok line should continue to expect bus transfers and schedule changes. They added that further restrictions are expected during the cleanup of the accident site, likely in the evening hours.