Cable fire halts trains between Cossonay-Penthalaz and Chavornay
Friday 9th October 2026 on 14:01 in
Switzerland
A fire in a cable duct near Eclépens disrupted rail services in Switzerland’s Vaud canton on Friday, knocking out a central signal box, SRF reported. Trains are not running between Cossonay-Penthalaz and Chavornay, and replacement buses are operating.
The disruption affects the IC5 and IC51 intercity services and regional lines R1 and R2, with cancellations and delays. For journeys between the Lake Geneva region and German-speaking Switzerland, and for connections via Neuchâtel and Biel, passengers have been advised to take longer detours via Bern, Fribourg or Payerne. The Swiss rail operator SBB recommends checking the online timetable before travelling.
The fire broke out at about 3:15 a.m. SBB said initial findings ruled out an internal technical cause. Vaud cantonal police are investigating, and repair work can begin only after investigators release the scene.
The duration of the disruption remains unclear, but it is expected to continue at least until late Friday evening. SBB said it was working with police to restore normal services as soon as possible.