Power line collapse disrupts railway service in Horten, Norway

There was a significant incident involving the railway in Horten when a power line collapsed due to a short circuit. Fire crews and police were alerted around 7 PM regarding a fire linked to the railway in the Adal/Solerødveien area. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but passengers on the involved trains needed to be evacuated.

According to VY’s spokesperson, one train is stationed at Skoppum with 370 passengers, while another is located at Barkåker with 111 passengers. Fire services are currently managing the evacuation of all 481 passengers from both trains.

Passengers are receiving assistance, as efforts are being made to arrange taxis for those at Barkåker, while buses are on standby at Skoppum. It may take some time to fully resolve the situation, the spokesperson noted.

The collapsed power line is lying on the ground between Skoppum and Tønsberg on the Vestfold railway. The fire chief from Vestfold Intermunicipal Fire Service confirmed that the train is stationary, and there was no fire on board. However, safety measures are being implemented before any potential evacuation can occur. The power has been disconnected, and grounding has been established at both ends of the train.

The downed power line carries 16,000 volts and poses a significant danger if touched. The incident also ignited surrounding vegetation, which was extinguished using several hundred liters of water.