Bad weather and lightning strikes caused massive delays late on Wednesday and several trains were stationary. For hours, over a thousand passengers were stranded. A train from Stockholm to Berlin was stationary in Linköping for over eleven hours.
Train operator Snälltåget is directing severe criticism at Trafikverket. They believe that the lack of information from the authority makes it difficult to make decisions, such as evacuating stationary trains.
We are dependent on forecasts from Trafikverket. We have tried to get the trains to take a different route, but we have been denied because there are other stops or track work, so we have not been able to get through, says Marco Andersson, press spokesperson for Snälltåget, to Ekot.
"Extreme weather"
Mattias Dejke regrets that the passengers were left sitting and understands their frustration, but emphasizes that only two trains were particularly affected, under difficult conditions. Extreme heat and an "enormously powerful thunderstorm" are behind the problems.
After an initial forecast to resume traffic at 11 pm, lightning struck and burned circuit boards, causing a prolonged signal failure.
It's technology and weather we're talking about, in this case extreme weather. It becomes difficult to predict in extreme situations, says Dejke.
Regarding the criticism from Snälltåget, he replies that Trafikverket has regular dialogue and coordination with train operators.
The last 24 hours have also intensified, given that we have noticed that the circumstances have required it.
The warm weather continues and Trafikverket has therefore increased its preparedness, including being able to drive out water and in some cases provide extra toilets and assist train operators if needed.
"Left to their own devices"
Passenger Märit Strindberg traveled with Snälltåget and is one of those who was stuck in Linköping for eleven hours.
We were left to our own devices. It was not particularly well handled. We did not find out what the fault was, she says to DN.
Snälltåget states that they will compensate their passengers.
