In what has been described as a “mass casualty incident”, at least three people lost their lives after a train derailed in Germany’s Biberach district.
The unexpected crash occurred on a quiet evening, leaving many shocked and raising concerns about safety on Germany’s rail lines.
According to officials, the train was carrying around 100 passengers when it suddenly left the tracks near Riedlingen, located about 158 kilometers west of Munich.
The derailment happened at approximately 6:10 p.m. local time.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, finding carriages overturned and passengers trapped.
Photos from the incident revealed the extent of the damage. Several carriages lay on their sides, while rescue workers climbed over them, searching for survivors.
The situation was intense, and several people were reported to have suffered serious injuries.
Moreover, authorities said the exact number of those injured was still unclear.
Many victims were reportedly rushed to nearby hospitals.
Federal and state police confirmed that investigations were underway.
The cause of the accident remains unknown, though early signs suggest heavy rainfall may have played a role.
“There have been heavy rains here, so it cannot be ruled out that the heavy rain and a related landslide accident may have been the cause. However, this is currently the subject of ongoing investigations,” said Thomas Strobl, the interior minister of the state of Baden-Württemberg.
This tragic event has drawn reactions from national leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a post on social media platform X, expressed his grief and support for the victims and their families.
Furthermore, the crash happened in a forested area, making rescue efforts more challenging. Still, emergency teams managed to access the wreckage quickly. Witnesses said the noise from the derailment echoed through the area, and many described the scene as “devastating.”
In addition, concerns about rail safety in Germany have grown following the incident. Although the country’s railway system is considered one of the best in Europe.
