Heavy rainfall predicted near accident location, potentially reaching 50 litres per hour according to weather reports.
In the southeastern region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, a tragic incident occurred on a regional express train traveling from Sigmaringen to Ulm. The train derailed after driving over a landslide caused by extremely heavy downpours in Riedlingen, resulting in three fatalities.
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), up to 50 liters of rain per square meter fell in one hour, a record-breaking amount for the area. The nearest rainfall station, in Altheim, about six kilometers away, recorded 22 liters of rain per square meter over two hours, suggesting that the rain developed despite the relatively short distance from the crash site.
The DWD did not have a weather station at the exact crash site, but used radar data to analyze the event retrospectively. Heavy rain is suspected to have caused the landslide, leading to the train derailment.
Sadly, the three fatalities included the 32-year-old train driver, a 36-year-old trainee, and a 70-year-old passenger. A total of 41 people were injured, some seriously.
The name of the train dispatcher who managed the train during the accident in Riedlingen is not mentioned in the available sources.
The crash site of the derailment is approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Ulm. After the heavy rain, earth and debris slid onto the tracks, causing the train to derail.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected by this tragic incident. The investigation continues to determine the exact cause of the accident and to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future.
