The Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland will remain closed until next Wednesday following the derailment of a freight train there on Thursday afternoon.
A carriage of a northbound freight train derailed near Faido station, a spokeswoman for Swiss Railways (SBB) told the Keystone-ATS agency.
The accident occurred shortly after 12.45 p.m., police in Ticino canton said. Some of the wagons in the convoy were carrying hazardous materials, which did not spill. There were no injuries, but according to the police, the damage to rolling stock and infrastructure is extensive.
An investigation has been opened. Specialists have examined the accident site for possible damage to the track and catenary, and the Swiss Safety Investigation Service (SESE) was called to the scene.
SBB announced in the evening that the 57-km tunnel, the world's longest, would remain closed until at least midnight on Wednesday 16 August. It said more information would be given at a press conference in Bellinzona on Friday.
"The damage is considerable," SBB spokeswoman Roberta Trevisan told RSI television news. However, she said it was too early to make an assessment or discuss possible causes.
She recommended that travellers seek information before crossing the Gotthard.
