A devastating accident occurred early this morning when a test train struck a group of railway workers in Yunnan province, resulting in 11 fatalities and 2 injuries. The incident, reported by local authorities, marks China's deadliest rail accident in over a decade and has prompted an immediate investigation into safety protocols.
The collision took place near Luoyang town station in the southwestern region, close to Kunming city. Officials from the Kunming railway bureau stated that the train was conducting seismic detection tests at the time.
Workers were performing overnight maintenance on the tracks when the train entered a curve and hit the crew unexpectedly. Rescue teams responded swiftly, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of families.
"This tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in rail operations," said a spokesperson from the Kunming railway bureau. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected and commit to a thorough probe to prevent future occurrences." The bureau has allocated support services for the bereaved families, including counseling and compensation arrangements.
An official investigation is underway, focusing on communication failures, warning systems, and adherence to testing procedures. Experts note that while China's high-speed rail network is among the world's largest and most advanced, incidents like this highlight risks faced by maintenance crews in remote areas.
The accident has sparked national discussions on worker safety in infrastructure projects. Authorities urge the public to respect rail zones and report any concerns through official channels.