Lithuania launches safety investigations into train derailments in Kėdainiai and Kaunas districts

The Lithuanian Ministry of Justice has announced safety investigations into two train derailments that occurred over the weekend in the Kėdainiai and Kaunas districts, LRT reports.

The incidents took place on Friday at Gudžiūnai station in Kėdainiai district and on Saturday at Jiesia station in Kaunas district. In the Kaunas derailment, a locomotive and four freight wagons from Duisburg, Germany, left the 1,435 mm gauge tracks. In Kėdainiai, three gravel-carrying wagons derailed at Gudžiūnai station, spilling their cargo.

The ministry’s Safety Investigation Department has begun collecting evidence at both sites, assessing violations, technical maintenance records, staff experience, and qualifications. Officials emphasised that these investigations are independent of any legal or administrative proceedings to assign blame.

“The goal of safety investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents,” the ministry stated, adding that inspectors had already visited both locations to gather factual information and perform necessary procedures.

Lithuanian Railways (Lietuvos geležinkeliai) confirmed on Monday that it had formed a special commission to investigate the incidents.