Train Derailment in Valais Amid Severe Weather Warnings; Passengers Injured, Travel Disrupted
February 16, 2026
An evacuation order was issued for several areas in Orsières due to severe weather and forecast heavy rain, with authorities coordinating ongoing safety measures.
About 50 residents in Orsières near the French border were evacuated as a precaution against avalanches from heavy snowfall.
The Swiss Alps remain under high avalanche risk, with level-four warnings out of five as heavy snow and wind-driven snow continue to raise danger.
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The incident comes amid a string of recent regional dangers in Valais, including a bar fire in Crans-MMontana and a significant landslide that affected a village, underscoring ongoing weather-driven crises in the canton.
Rail traffic on the Goppenstein–Brig corridor was halted after the derailment, and officials advised travelers to use alternate routes while rescue operations continued.
Travel advisories and maps outline alternative bus routes and connections for the affected corridor to help commuters navigate the disruption.
Officials stated ongoing intervention efforts and promised further information as the situation developed.
A previous extreme avalanche event in the area days earlier had caused road closures but reported no injuries at that time.
A RegioExpress train derailed near Goppenstein on the Stockgraben section between Goppenstein and Hohtenn in Valais, around 07:00 local time, with about 30 passengers aboard and several injuries reported as authorities responded.
Authorities urged skiers and hikers to stay on marked slopes and check avalanche bulletins before venturing into the mountains, given the heightened risk.
The derailment occurred during a RegioExpress service that departed Spiez earlier, with roughly 30 passengers affected.
Summary based on 13 sources
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Sources

BBC News • Feb 16, 2026
Five injured as Swiss train derails in heavy snow
mirror • Feb 16, 2026
Switzerland train derailment LIVE: Several casualties after Valais avalanche
The Hindu • Feb 16, 2026
Swiss train derails, injuries likely: police
Hindustan Times • Feb 16, 2026
Several injured after avalanche derails train in Swiss Alps | World News