Two subway trains collided on the Changping line, in Beijing due to heavy snowfall, resulting in injuries to 515 people, with 102 sustaining broken bones.

The collision occurred on an above-ground section of the subway system’s Changping line in the mountainous west of the city.

According to reports, the accident took place on Thursday evening just before 7 pm when slippery tracks caused the last two cars of one train to separate from the front carriages.

A descending train behind them skidded and couldn’t brake in time, leading to the collision. Passengers in the affected trains experienced power outages and some used emergency hammers to break windows for fresh air.

Emergency services, police, and transport authorities responded promptly, evacuating all passengers by around 11 pm.

As of Friday morning, 423 people have been discharged, 67 remain hospitalized for treatment, and 25 are under observation.

The rare snowstorm in Beijing has disrupted public transport, causing severe delays and school closures.

The collision occurred during a period of slippery tracks due to the snowfall. The Changping subway line section involved in the incident has been closed, and Beijing Subway, which operates the city’s subway and rail lines, apologized for the incident and pledged to cover medical bills for the injured.

Beijing Subway, owned by the municipal government, has instructed trains to operate in manual mode and widened intervals between trains due to the extreme weather.

The affected region is expected to experience a further drop in temperatures, and authorities have implemented measures, including school closures and the suspension of train services, to cope with the challenging weather conditions.