Chaos on Budapest tracks: Train hits person, 400 passengers evacuated

A train struck a person near Sipos Square in Budapest’s 15th district on Sunday, causing major disruption on the Vác line, with delays and cancelled services.

Train accident in Budapest

Emergency services reported that one track on the affected line was closed, while trains were operating at reduced speed on the other. Approximately 400 passengers had to transfer to alternative services.

According to MÁV, the S70 train (2425), which departed Vác at 10:34 AM for Nyugati Station, hit an individual in Káposztásmegyer. Authorities believe the person deliberately stepped onto the tracks.

As a result of the incident, passengers on the Budapest–Vác–Szob line faced longer travel times, with some services combined and others cancelled. Between Rákospalota-Újpest and Dunakeszi, trains were suspended for nearly 45 minutes from 11:00 AM. Partial service resumed on one track, and replacement buses operated for a limited number of trains until around 13:00.

By the afternoon, the schedule was fully restored on the Szob line. Following the completion of investigations at the accident site, trains were able to run normally on both tracks between Rákospalota-Újpest and Dunakeszi after 2:00 PM.

Crisis support

Those in need of assistance can contact the Kék Vonal Children’s Crisis Foundation 24/7 on 116-111; calls are free and anonymous. Online chat is available from 13:00 to 21:00.

Adults in crisis can also call the free 116-123 hotline, accessible from mobile phones.

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