SJ Train Stranded Without Ventilation: Temperatures Soar Over 30 Degrees

Amid a heatwave, the ventilation system failed, forcing the train to stop on the tracks. For four hours, the train stood still outside Katrineholm, with hundreds of passengers onboard.

– People are upset, many are feeling very unwell, says train conductor Enrique Palmkvist.

The SJ X2000 train was en route from Gothenburg to Stockholm on Friday when the ventilation suddenly stopped working.

According to train conductor Enrique Palmkvist, the high outdoor temperature caused the system to fail.

– It simply couldn't handle the heat, he says.

The train was halted to await a new train with functioning ventilation to transfer the passengers.

Stationary for Hours

The train was scheduled to arrive at its final destination, Stockholm, at 13:49, but by 4:30 PM, it was still stationary outside Katrineholm – with over 200 sweaty passengers onboard.

– It has been stressful for us staff. People are upset and many are feeling very unwell. I've never experienced anything like this, says Enrique Palmkvist.

For hours, passengers waited for news of a new train, as the heat intensified. Additionally, there was nothing to eat or drink, according to Enrique Palmkvist.

"Over 30 Degrees Inside"

– So, so hot. Over 30 degrees inside. And at the same time, all the food is gone, and all the water.

Jonas Olsson from SJ's press service confirms that the train's ventilation broke down.

– That's correct, it has been hot onboard.

He says he understands that passengers can become upset in such a situation.

– Heat and cold affect people to varying degrees, but I understand it can be tough on days like these when it's hot.

According to Jonas Olsson, an evacuation to a new train began shortly before 5 PM.