Passengers on an Øresundstog train, which connects Denmark and Sweden, had a difficult experience on Monday evening last week, after the train remained stopped for three hours between Sweden and Denmark in complete darkness and without basic services such as toilets or a ventilation system, while the passengers did not receive clear information about what would happen, how long it would take, or how to deal with the situation.
The train stopped between Peberholm and Copenhagen Central Station (København H) due to problems with the trains' power supply. The incident raised questions about who was responsible for dealing with and evacuating the stranded passengers, after authorities in Denmark and Sweden began passing the buck to each other, according to DR.
The Swedish Transport Authority holds the Danish side responsible.
The Swedish Transport Authority, Trafikverket, announced that the Danish railway company Banedanmark bears responsibility for the incident, amid ongoing controversy over who is responsible for managing the situation and dealing with passengers.
Banydanmark transfers responsibility to Øresund Bridge Company
Banedanmark confirmed that the incident did not occur on its infrastructure and was not related to its trains, and therefore referred inquiries to Øresundsbroen, the company responsible for the general emergency plan for dealing with incidents inside the tunnel, according to the source.
The company clarified that the responsibility for arranging passenger evacuation lies with the train operator in cases where the evacuation of stranded trains is necessary. The company stated, "In cases where the evacuation of passengers from stranded trains is required, the responsibility for arranging this rests with the train operator." The company added that it is referring inquiries regarding the specific incident to the Øresund train operator for further information.
Øresund Bridge Company clarifies the distribution of responsibilities
Øresundsbroen, the company responsible for the Øresundsbroen bridge, confirmed that it is responsible for the general emergency plan to deal with accidents that occur inside the tunnel.
But she stressed that dealing with incidents of this kind requires the cooperation of several parties, explaining that the incident that occurred last week was dealt with by Banedanmark and the train operator VR.
The company explained that Banidanmark is responsible for managing train traffic and electricity supply on the Danish side, while the Swedish Transport Authority Trafikverket handles the same tasks on the Swedish side, on behalf of the Øresund Bridge Company.
Train operators are responsible for passenger handling and evacuation.
In explaining the division of tasks, Øresund Bridge Company indicated that train operators are responsible for dealing with passengers on board trains, and also for making the decision as to whether they should be evacuated.
The company confirmed that no evacuation of passengers took place during the incident on Monday evening, despite the train remaining stopped for three hours.
The Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) stated that it is trying to obtain a comment from the train operator, VR, regarding the incident and the conditions experienced by the passengers during the stoppage, as well as the responsibility for dealing with them and providing them with the necessary information.
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