A tragic train accident occurred in south-west Germany when a landslide caused by an overflowing sewage shaft derailed a passenger train. The derailment took place between Riedlingen and Munderkingen near Stuttgart, following heavy rainfall in the region.
Local authorities confirmed that three people lost their lives, and many others were injured in the incident. The landslide was reportedly triggered by a deluge that overwhelmed the sewage system, destabilizing the terrain next to the railway tracks.
Chancellor Offers Condolences as Investigation Begins Into Deadly German Train Derailment
Among the deceased were the train driver, a second rail employee, and a passenger. The crash also left 41 others injured. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly expressed his condolences, stating he mourned the victims and extended his deepest sympathies to their families. He added that he was in direct communication with both the interior and transport ministers and had urged them to provide full support to emergency services at the scene.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the derailment. According to Ulm police, the train was en route on a 90-kilometer journey between Sigmaringen and Ulm when it derailed. Officials have stated that the crash site will remain closed while the investigation continues. Rail traffic in the affected area will be suspended, and clean-up operations are scheduled to begin on Monday.
Rescue Hampered as Train Derails in Forest, Stirring Nationwide Grief and Concern
Roughly 100 people were onboard the train when at least two of its carriages left the tracks around 18:10 local time on Sunday. The crash occurred in a wooded area, making rescue operations more complex. Images from the site depict train cars lying on their sides amid fallen trees, with emergency responders and firefighters working intensively to reach and assist passengers trapped inside.
The rail company Deutsche Bahn released a statement expressing solidarity with the victims, saying: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and everyone who now has to process this experience.”
The accident has prompted widespread sorrow across Germany, with officials and citizens alike showing support for the affected families. The disaster highlights the growing risks posed by extreme weather events and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
