Train and backhoe loader in collision in Sweden.

[Bobjork]

A tractor (backhoe loader) performing track maintenance crashed with a passing train today (12 september) at about 20:00.

Only in swedish but lot of pictures:
http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article7770714.ab
http://www.wighsnews.se/nyheter.php?...&notisid=72498
http://www.wighsnews.se/nyheter.php?...&notisid=72497
http://www.expressen.se/nyheter/1.21...-stor-tagkrock
http://www.blåljus.se/display.asp?ne...s/100912_extra

[swisstrains]

This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers of carrying out track maintenance with mechanical equipment in close proximity to running lines.

[Bobjork]

Originally Posted by swisstrains

This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers of carrying out track maintenance with mechanical equipment in close proximity to running lines.

Yes, it really does.

The Swedish Accident Investigation Board will investigate the accident so we will certainly know what went wrong. But it probably will take time.
But it seems like some part of the tractor (probably the backhoe) hit the train as it passed. The engine is ripped open like a tin can and three cars are damaged (holes, broken windows etc).

18 people (one of them was the tractor driver) were injured and sent to hospital.
The line will be closed until monday (13th september) 16.00. After that one track will be open.

[Bobjork]

The latest news is that the tractor somehow was too close to the not closed track. For some reason it couldn't move from the spot and then the train came.
There is a temporary speed limit of 70km/h on the line where the maintnance work is carried out, however, where the train hit the tractor the speed limit is higher, but the train probably didn't have higher speed than 100-115km/h as the X2:s have quite slow acceleration.
A woman is still at hospital with serious injuries. The tractor driver is also still at hospital. He was found outside the tractor.