What happened to the Eurocity EC 61 train?

The Eurocity EC 61 train, which departed from Basel and went to Milan, was blocked in the Murgenthal tunnel due to a technical failure. The passengers had to wait for the arrival of a rescue train and were transported to Bern with a delay of about 2 hours.

How many passengers were involved in the Eurocity EC 61 train block and what was the delay accumulated?

500 passengers were involved with an accumulated delay of about 2 hours.

What are the transport alternatives available for commuters from Switzerland to Italy in case of failure on the EC 61 train?

In case of breakdowns on the EC 61 train, commuters may consider alternatives such as the use of TILO regional trains or alternative lines such as Burgdorf. Moreover, the highway or transport on rubber with buses can be practicable options, especially for those who have the possibility of parking in Chiasso or other border points. It is advisable to check real-time updates via the FFS Mobile app or the official website for the most up-to-date solutions.

How can I get a refund for delay caused by the EC 61 train block?

To get a refund for the delay caused by the EC 61 train block, you must retain your travel ticket and contact the SBB customer service. Passengers may be eligible for partial or total refunds based on the duration of delay and FFS policy. It is useful to consult the travel conditions on the SBB website to understand specific rights and procedures.

What SBB measures has taken to prevent future technical failures that can block the EC 61 train?

The SBB has taken a series of measures to prevent future technical failures, including an increase in inspections and preventive maintenance on convoys and critical infrastructures such as basic tunnels. Moreover, they are investing in advanced technologies for real-time monitoring of the state of trains and railway lines, in order to quickly identify and solve any problems before they turn into significant disruptions of the service.

Odyssey on the Eurocity to Milan (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on 23 February 2026

Train with 500 passengers stuck for hours in a tunnel on the Basel-Milan line. A two-hour delay and chaos on the SBB network: another difficult morning for commuters.

Context

TL;DR

Eurocity EC 61 stuck in Murgenthal tunnel
500 passengers delayed for 2 hours
Disruption affected north-south railway axis
Train restarted after 9 AM, normalcy resumed

Key facts

Train involved: Eurocity EC 61 (Basel - Milan)
Passengers affected: 500 commuters and business travelers
Time of incident: Around 7:15 AM on 24.02.2026
Location of incident: Murgenthal tunnel, Ferrovia 2000 line
Accumulated delay: Approximately 2 hours
Resolution time: Shortly after 9:00 AM
Impacted route: Olten - Bern (Ferrovia 2000)
Source: Tio.ch / ATS - 24.02.2026

A nightmarish morning for 500 passengers heading to Italy, many of whom are commuters or business travelers. The Eurocity EC 61, which departed from Basel bound for Milan, got stuck this morning around 7:15 AM inside the Murgenthal tunnel, on the strategic Ferrovia 2000 line between Mattstetten (BE) and Rothrist (SO). A technical fault, the nature of which was not immediately clear, immobilized the train for an endless amount of time, turning a routine journey into an odyssey.

The blockage had a chain reaction effect on the entire north-south axis, one of Europe's busiest railway corridors and vital for the economy of Ticino and northern Italy. According to SBB spokesperson Fabienne Thommen, passengers had to wait for the arrival of a fire and rescue train, which then transported them to Bern, accumulating a total delay of about two hours. The incident forced the Swiss Federal Railways to divert other trains onto the line via Burgdorf and to turn back following trains, further congesting morning traffic. The situation only returned to normal after 9 AM, when the faulty train managed to restart on its own towards Olten for necessary checks.

Operational details

The Domino Effect on Cross-Border Connections

Although the incident occurred in German-speaking Switzerland, its consequences are heavily felt all the way to the Chiasso border and beyond. The Basel-Milan axis is not just a tourist route but a fundamental artery for the transport of people and goods that fuels economic exchange between Switzerland and Italy. For cross-border workers, even those using regional TILO routes, a disruption of this magnitude on the main network means potential cascading delays, missed connections, and a general climate of uncertainty.

The episode brings the vulnerability of a complex and highly stressed railway system back into the spotlight. Any failure, especially at critical points like base tunnels or high-speed lines, can paralyze circulation for hours. This event serves as a reminder: Swiss punctuality, while a national pride, is not invulnerable to technical unforeseen events that can have a direct impact on the workday of thousands of people.

📊 Impact on Morning Traffic:

Train involved: EC 61 (Basel - Milan)
Passengers on board: 500
Accumulated delay: Approximately 2 hours
Interrupted section: Olten - Bern (Ferrovia 2000)
Resolution: Shortly after 9:00 AM

Key points

How to Protect Yourself and What to Do in These Cases

Faced with disruptions of this magnitude, information is the first line of defense. It is crucial to constantly monitor the SBB Mobile app or the official website for real-time updates on delays, cancellations, and alternative routes. When possible, promptly notifying your employer of the situation is good practice to justify any delays.

💡 Practical Tips:

Check your rights: In case of significant delays on international connections, passengers may be entitled to partial or full refunds. Always keep your ticket and inquire about SBB's policies.
Plan alternatives: Although not always easy, knowing alternative routes or having a backup plan can make a difference.
Evaluate the costs: Delays and unforeseen events are a component of commuting. These events highlight the importance of considering all factors, not just the travel pass, when calculating the real cost of your home-to-work journey. Lost time is a significant cost that impacts quality of life and the family budget.

To get a complete picture of travel-related expenses, it can be useful to use specific tools. Our transport cost calculator allows you to accurately estimate the impact of commuting on your monthly budget, helping you make more informed decisions.

Source: Tio.ch / ATS - 24.02.2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Eurocity EC 61 train?: The Eurocity EC 61 train, which departed from Basel and went to Milan, was blocked in the Murgenthal tunnel due to a technical failure. The passengers had to wait for the arrival of a rescue train and were transported to Bern with a delay of about 2 hours.
How many passengers were involved in the Eurocity EC 61 train block and what was the delay accumulated?: 500 passengers were involved with an accumulated delay of about 2 hours.
What are the transport alternatives available for commuters from Switzerland to Italy in case of failure on the EC 61 train?: In case of breakdowns on the EC 61 train, commuters may consider alternatives such as the use of TILO regional trains or alternative lines such as Burgdorf. Moreover, the highway or transport on rubber with buses can be practicable options, especially for those who have the possibility of parking in Chiasso or other border points. It is advisable to check real-time updates via the FFS Mobile app or the official website for the most up-to-date solutions.
How can I get a refund for delay caused by the EC 61 train block?: To get a refund for the delay caused by the EC 61 train block, you must retain your travel ticket and contact the SBB customer service. Passengers may be eligible for partial or total refunds based on the duration of delay and FFS policy. It is useful to consult the travel conditions on the SBB website to understand specific rights and procedures.
What SBB measures has taken to prevent future technical failures that can block the EC 61 train?: The SBB has taken a series of measures to prevent future technical failures, including an increase in inspections and preventive maintenance on convoys and critical infrastructures such as basic tunnels. Moreover, they are investing in advanced technologies for real-time monitoring of the state of trains and railway lines, in order to quickly identify and solve any problems before they turn into significant disruptions of the service.