In a devastating event in south-west Germany, three individuals lost their lives, and several others sustained serious injuries when a passenger train derailed after an overflowing sewage shaft, local authorities reported. The crash occurred on Sunday between Riedlingen and Munderkingen, close to Stuttgart, as heavy rains in the area contributed to the overflow.
According to prosecutors, the overflow led to a landslide along the embankment adjacent to the railway tracks, resulting in the train going off the rails. Among the deceased were the train driver, a rail employee, and one passenger, while 41 others were injured in the incident. German Chancellor Freidrich Merz expressed his condolences to the victims' families, stating in a post on X that he was coordinating with the interior and transport ministries to ensure emergency services received necessary support.
The train was traveling on a 90-kilometer route from Sigmaringen to Ulm when it derailed shortly after 18:10 local time (17:10 BST). Officials from Ulm police stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing, and the crash site will remain closed to the public for the time being. Rail services in the area have been halted as clean-up efforts are set to commence on Monday.
With approximately 100 passengers aboard at the time of the derailment, reports reveal that at least two carriages ended up on their sides in a nearby forested area. Emergency response teams, including firefighters, were seen working diligently at the crash site, as fallen trees and heavy debris complicated access for the rescue crews. The train operator, Deutsche Bahn, extended their thoughts and condolences to those affected and acknowledged the overwhelming experience faced by survivors.
According to prosecutors, the overflow led to a landslide along the embankment adjacent to the railway tracks, resulting in the train going off the rails. Among the deceased were the train driver, a rail employee, and one passenger, while 41 others were injured in the incident. German Chancellor Freidrich Merz expressed his condolences to the victims' families, stating in a post on X that he was coordinating with the interior and transport ministries to ensure emergency services received necessary support.
The train was traveling on a 90-kilometer route from Sigmaringen to Ulm when it derailed shortly after 18:10 local time (17:10 BST). Officials from Ulm police stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is ongoing, and the crash site will remain closed to the public for the time being. Rail services in the area have been halted as clean-up efforts are set to commence on Monday.
With approximately 100 passengers aboard at the time of the derailment, reports reveal that at least two carriages ended up on their sides in a nearby forested area. Emergency response teams, including firefighters, were seen working diligently at the crash site, as fallen trees and heavy debris complicated access for the rescue crews. The train operator, Deutsche Bahn, extended their thoughts and condolences to those affected and acknowledged the overwhelming experience faced by survivors.
