Two high-speed trains collided in eastern Slovakia earlier today, October 13, leaving dozens injured, including three critically, according to officials. 

The collision took place near the town of Rožňava just after 10am local time, as reported by Slovak Railways. 

Slovak police estimated that around 80 passengers were onboard at the time of the crash, but did not immediately provide further details. 

Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok confirmed that two individuals were critically injured, while the remaining injuries were not severe. 

Photos from the scene showed significant damage to the front of one engine, with the other train having derailed. 
 

An investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched by authorities, with Šutaj Eštok hinting that human error could be a factor. 

The trains had more than 80 passengers on board overall, with searches still underway to find all of them. 

A spokesman for the The Slovak Emergency Medical Service (EZMS) Operations Centre said: “All components of the Integrated Rescue System are responding to the scene. Passengers are gradually leaving the train sets, the extent of injuries is not yet known. The police are securing the accident site, coordinating the work of the rescue services and directing the movement of people in the area. 

“The cause of the collision is under investigation. At this time, the priority is the rescue and evacuation of passengers and our employees. We will continuously update the information.” 

According to Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok: “This is an extraordinary traffic accident that probably occurred due to human error. One of the train drivers probably did not give way to the other. 

“Firefighters from several stations are responding to the scene.”