Human error caused deadly St. Gallen train collision with excavator

A recent train collision in St. Gallen was caused by human error, not technical faults. The incident involved an excavator and resulted in injuries to three people. Investigations confirmed that operational mistakes led to the crash. The accident began when the excavator left its assigned work area in Track 23. Without coordinating with the safety officer, it moved into the unsecured Track 13. This unauthorised manoeuvre made the initial safety protocols ineffective.

During a pivot, the excavator’s bucket and boom entered the clearance profile of Track 14. This intrusion caused the collision with the train. The train driver, the excavator operator, and an accompanying worker sustained injuries.

Reports confirmed that neither vehicle defects nor technical malfunctions played a role. An additional blockade on Track 22 could have secured the work area and prevented the incident. The collision stemmed from organisational and operational misjudgments. The excavator’s unauthorised movement and failure to coordinate with safety staff were key factors. The absence of an extra blockade on Track 22 also contributed to the outcome.