Meja railway derailment triggers emergency repairs in Croatia

Repair work has commenced following a train derailment near the Meja railway station in Croatia. A Transagent rail freight train derailed on Saturday, causing significant damage to the tracks, the overhead electrical network, and a retaining wall on the embankment.

HŽ Infrastruktura and Cenoza have deployed workers and machinery to remove the damaged train composition and clear the wreckage. While official timelines for full restoration are unavailable, unofficial reports suggest that one track may be operational by Thursday or Friday. However, trains will be restricted to a reduced speed of 20 kilometers per hour on this single track while repairs to the embankment continue.

No human casualties were reported, but the material damage is expected to be substantial. The incident has caused indirect economic disruption to the Port of Rijeka and regional transport routes due to the interruption of freight services. Investigators are looking into reports from the driver regarding a loss of braking capability, despite the locomotive and wagons being equipped with relatively modern braking systems. Observers have noted similarities between this incident and a similar derailment that occurred near Meja three years ago.