Nobody was injured in the accident as the northbound train left the tracks, but there has been substantial damage along a stretch of about 100 metres.

Clearing the area of the train and other debris is expected to take until at least Friday, causing disruption to services in the region, according to a statement from the National Transport Administration (Trafikverket).

“Salvage work is complicated and it might take all week, according to the latest forecast,” said Lennart Helsing at the agency.

“The train is standing so badly that it is blocking the oncoming tracks. There is therefore a complete stoppage in train services,” Helsing said.

The cause of the derailment remains unclear with the train travelling at low speed and left blocking the tracks in the southbound direction.

“We don’t yet know if the fault was with the train or the track,” Helsing said.

Trains will be replaced by buses until traffic is resumed.

“The train has to be lifted off the track, then the track needs to be repaired, which will take time. The reason is the poor soil conditions at the site. The ground is soft while the embankment is high.”