Police Detain Drunken Train Driver - Drunk German train driver arrested after halting packed regional train
A train operator in Germany’s Münsterland region was arrested after halting his regional train without explanation. The 53-year-old man was found with a blood alcohol level of 2.67 per mille—far above the legal limit for operating trains. Police took him into custody as investigations into endangering railway traffic began.
The incident unfolded when the driver stopped the National Express train on an open stretch of track, bypassing Rheda-Wiedenbrück station. A train attendant noticed a strong smell of alcohol and intervened, preventing the journey from continuing. Around 250 passengers were on board at the time.
Firefighters assisted in evacuating all passengers safely, though the operation took nearly three hours. National Express confirmed that customer service staff ensured the train stopped securely before transferring passengers to another service. The unexpected stop caused major disruptions to rail traffic in the area.
German rail regulations enforce an absolute ban on alcohol and drugs for drivers, who must also pass regular medical and psychological checks. The Federal Police confirmed the driver’s blood alcohol level, leading to his arrest and transport to a police station in Rheda-Wiedenbrück.
The driver now faces a formal investigation for endangering railway traffic. His actions led to a lengthy evacuation and significant delays for passengers. Authorities have not yet announced further details on potential charges or penalties.
