Swiss train derailed by avalanche with multiple casualties feared

A train carrying around 80 passengers has derailed in Switzerland following an avalanche this morning, authorities said as rescuers scrambled to reach survivors.

Several carriages were forced off the line near the village of Goppenstein, in the southwestern canton of Valais, around 7am this morning, police said.

Emergency responders raced to the scene as police warned injuries were “likely”. More information would follow, they said.

The train left Spiez at 6.12am and was heading for Brig when it was struck by the avalanche. Police reported just after 10am local time that 30 people had been rescued so far.

Were you affected? Contact james.reynolds@independent.co.uk

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