The LTG Group has announced the findings of its investigation into two accidents that occurred in early May of this year in Gudžiūnai (Kėdainiai District) and Jiesia (Kaunas District). The internal investigation assessed technical, organisational, and human factors, identified the causes, and proposed additional measures to improve railway traffic safety.

Immediately after the incidents, LTG established a commission to investigate the causes of both accidents. The commission is composed of LTG’s senior executives and members of the business continuity team.

During the investigation, various hypotheses were examined, ranging from issues related to technological infrastructure and rolling stock maintenance to potential external interference. The report’s findings confirmed that, in the case of Jiesia, the incident was caused by the actions of the railway station attendant. Meanwhile, the accident in Gudžiūnai was caused by a defect in the switch mechanism, which subsequently failed on a section of track where the automatic rolling stock control system (RAKP) had been deactivated.

No one was injured in either accident; however, the incidents had a significant impact on passenger and freight traffic as well as on the infrastructure.

“Safety is a cornerstone of LTG’s operations, to which we devote continuous attention and resources. The investigation not only enabled us to identify the immediate causes of the accidents but also to examine the broader context and identify areas for process improvement. These insights have helped us clearly define the actions that must be taken to prevent similar situations in the future,” said Arūnas Rumskas, Chief Financial Officer and Acting CEO of LTG.

Additional Safety Measures Planned

Following both accidents, LTG immediately began implementing a set of short- and long-term measures, which was also presented to the Government’s National Security Commission.

Short-term measures include additional inspections of the technical condition of rolling stock, a review of operating algorithms, the implementation of additional control mechanisms, employee training, and enhanced preparedness.

Long-term measures are focused on the modernization of the entire system, i.e., the upgrading of railways and critical infrastructure, the modernisation of signaling and control systems, the development of automated rolling stock control solutions, the installation of signaling systems on the European-gauge section from Kaunas to the Polish border, and the enhancement of employee competencies.

According to preliminary estimates, more than €800 million in investments may be required by 2030 for safety solutions and infrastructure improvements. The damage to the railway infrastructure caused by both accidents, including reputational damage, amounts to more than €11.5 million, according to preliminary data. This amount also includes the cost of repair work in Gudžiūnai and Jiesia.

The Section Was Repaired in Record Time

Following the accident in Gudžiūnai on 1 May, when freight cars carrying crushed stone  derailed, the strategically important 10.6-km section was repaired at record speed. The final infrastructure upgrade works have already been completed—long-life rails have been laid, ensuring smoother, safer, and quieter train traffic.

In Jiesia, where a locomotive derailed on 2 May, traffic has also been fully restored, with both passenger and freight services operating without disruption.