A representative of LTG Group said on May 5 that sabotage was considered unlikely in two train derailments that occurred within 48 hours in central Lithuania, though all possible causes remained under investigation.
Gediminas Seckus, the company’s director of business resilience, said data collected at the sites in Kaunas and Kedainiai districts suggests third-party interference is unlikely.
“The data gathered at the scene indicates that the likelihood both incidents were caused by third parties appears low at this stage,” Seckus told LRT RADIO. “However, we are investigating all versions, and only the investigation will allow us to confirm or rule them out.”
He said the most probable causes were technical in nature, such as disruptions in traffic management systems or technological vulnerabilities, including potential faults in freight wagons.
“At this point, we assess these as most likely technical incidents caused either by traffic management disruptions or technological vulnerabilities,” Seckus said, adding that evidence collection and analysis were ongoing.
Seckus said that the derailment at Jiesia station in Kaunas district might have been prevented if a railway signalling system had been in place.
He noted that such systems were not currently installed on the European-gauge rail line running from the Polish border to Kaunas. The company has completed procurement procedures and is prepared to install the equipment, but funding remains a key obstacle.
“The project would cost more than 100 million euros, and we are ready to implement it, but financing is needed,” he said.
Seckus added that signalling systems would not only improve safety but also increase the line’s capacity, enabling more freight transport and potentially allowing passenger services on the European-gauge track, which were currently not operating due to the lack of such infrastructure.
He warned that disruptions linked to the Jiesia derailment could continue for another two days as repair work proceeds.
“We are still restoring the European-gauge track at Jiesia station, and passenger traffic disruptions may continue over the next couple of days,” he said, adding that passengers would be informed in advance and alternative transport arrangements provided if necessary. (LRT)