Lithuanian PM rules out sabotage after weekend train derailments

Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė stated on Tuesday that there is no evidence of sabotage in two recent train derailments, attributing the incidents to technical failures and human error, LRT reports.

Speaking after a meeting of the National Security Commission, Ruginienė confirmed that preliminary investigations into the two separate derailments—both occurring over the weekend—pointed to mechanical issues and procedural mistakes rather than deliberate interference.

“I can responsibly say that we see no sabotage in these cases,” the prime minister told reporters. “In both instances, there were technical and human errors. That, in part, is reassuring.”

She added that while no injuries or environmental damage resulted from the incidents, the railway infrastructure itself suffered damage, requiring additional technical safeguards. Authorities have ordered Lietuvos Geležinkeliai (Lithuanian Railways) and the Ministry of Transport to submit a detailed plan within two weeks to enhance the security of critical infrastructure.

Preliminary findings on the derailments

Tomas Daukantas, chancellor of the Ministry of Transport, provided initial explanations for the accidents during a press conference. The first derailment, which occurred on Friday, was caused by an overheated axle box on a wagon, leading to a wheel fracture and subsequent derailment. The exact cause of the overheating remains under investigation.

The second incident, late Saturday evening, involved a train traveling on a standard-gauge track that was incorrectly switched onto a broad-gauge line. The locomotive, weighing nearly 110 tons, derailed after entering the wrong track. Daukantas noted that a double-check safety system—designed to verify manual track switches—failed in this case.

Despite the incidents, Daukantas emphasized that passenger travel by train in Lithuania remains safe, citing modern rolling stock and the upcoming arrival of new Swiss-made passenger cars this autumn.

Ruginienė stressed the need for stronger protection of critical infrastructure, particularly in high-risk areas requiring technical upgrades. “We clearly agreed that if there are locations needing additional technical solutions, they must be implemented,” she said.