Kunming, Yunnan Province – At least eleven railway maintenance workers were killed and two others injured in a tragic train collision in southwestern China, according to state-run media. The accident occurred early on Thursday morning, November 27, 2025, when a train conducting seismic equipment tests struck the workers at a curved section of track at Luoyangzhen station in Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan.

“After the accident, the railway authorities immediately activated the emergency response plan and, together with the local government, organised rescue efforts and medical treatment for the injured,” reported the Xinhua news agency.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Following the collision, emergency teams responded promptly to provide medical care for the injured personnel. Rail operations at Luoyangzhen station have since resumed, and authorities confirmed that treatment for the two survivors is proceeding in an “orderly manner.”

A thorough investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched. While specific details are not yet clear, officials are expected to examine both human error and technical failures, including safety protocols around trains conducting tests on active tracks.

Background: China’s Rail Safety Record

China operates one of the largest railway networks in the world, with thousands of kilometers of high-speed and conventional rail. While major accidents have become less frequent due to enhanced safety measures, serious collisions still occur sporadically.

• In 2022, a train derailed near Rongjiang county, Guizhou province, after hitting debris from a landslide, killing one conductor and injuring eight others.
• In 2020, a derailment in Chenzhou, Hunan province, left one dead and 127 injured.
• The deadliest recent train disaster occurred in 2011, when a high-speed train collided with a stationary locomotive in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, killing 40 and injuring nearly 200.
• In 2008, two passenger trains collided near Zibo, Shandong province, resulting in 66 fatalities and 247 injuries.

These incidents underscore the challenges of maintaining rail safety across China’s vast transportation network, despite decades of modernization and technological upgrades.

Implications for Railway Maintenance and Safety

The Kunming accident highlights the ongoing risks faced by railway maintenance workers, especially when trains operate on tracks for testing or construction purposes. Safety advocates are calling for enhanced protective measures, stricter worksite monitoring, and updated protocols for train testing operations to prevent similar tragedies.

Authorities have pledged to release a full report on the circumstances of the collision, including any potential violations of safety regulations and recommendations for preventing future accidents.