Previous disaster studies mainly focused on analyzing the experience from a psychological or psychiatric perspective. The occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder also has been the central issue when studying survivors of train crashes. Research concerning being involved in train crashes is scarce.

The aim of this study was to explore the experience of surviving a severe train crash.

In 2004, a severe train crash occurred in the south of Sweden. Approximately 78 passengers were on the train. All of them were injured, and two of the passengers died. Fourteen of the survivors agreed to be interviewed five years after the crash. The interviews were narrative, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a phenomenological-hermeneutical method. First, a naive reading of the text, later, a structural analysis, and finally a comprehensive understanding in which the other phases were considered and discussed with relevant literature.

The preliminary results show a naive understanding of being in the pre-crash, crash and post-crash phases. Four themes were recognized: (1) life is going on like being on a railway track; (2) the train derails, so do I; (3) back on track again; and (4) life goes on in a new track. The results will be elaborated and discussed together with the comprehensive understanding.

Surviving a severe train crash changes life immediately as well as five years later.