UIC Safety Report 2025 - Significant Accidents 2024

This year’s report analyses the trends in significant accidents and includes an ad hoc study on the presence of animals on the tracks as part of the thematic focus.

Regarding significant accidents, railway safety performance in 2024 presents a mixed picture, with a combination of improvements and persistent challenges. The number of significant accidents has shown a steady rise over the five-year period, increasing from 1,660 in 2020 to 2,018 in 2024. After peaking in 2022–2023, accidents involving human consequences declined in 2024. This suggests that although the overall number of accidents is rising, their severity in terms of human impact may be decreasing.

The Global Safety Index (GSI) showed a slight improvement in 2024, reflecting reduced severity and impact of reported accidents. The Relative Safety Index remained stable, indicating that safety performance is broadly consistent relative to operational volume.

The accident rate per train-kilometre also remained unchanged, while both victims and fatalities per train-kilometre decreased in 2024. Together, these indicators point to a positive shift in accident severity, despite an increase in occurrences.

Level crossing accidents increased by 16% in 2024 compared with 2023, reversing the previous downward trend. This rise—particularly at active crossings—highlights the need for renewed investment in level-crossing safety, including public awareness initiatives, enforcement measures, and technology-based solutions. Total victims decreased by 3.9% in 2024, with fatalities falling by 13.2%, although serious injuries increased by 13.7%. This indicates that while fewer incidents are fatal, the number of non-fatal but serious injuries is growing. Staff casualties also remain a concern, with 33 fatalities and 58 serious injuries recorded in 2024.

The trends observed show that, although certain indicators have improved, continued vigilance and a sustained commitment to safety remain vital to ensure lasting progress, and some areas, such as level crossings, require particular ongoing attention.