Heavy rainfall predicted, up to 50 liters per hour, in the vicinity of the accident scene, according to meteorological reports
A tragic train derailment occurred in Riedlingen, Baden-Württemberg, approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Ulm. The regional express train was traveling from Sigmaringen to Ulm when it derailed due to a landslide caused by heavy rain.
According to the German Weather Service (DWD), "extremely heavy downpours" were reported in Riedlingen at the time of the accident. The DWD spokesperson, Marco Pukert, stated that up to 50 liters per square meter had fallen within an hour in Riedlingen. However, no weather station was located at the exact crash site. The nearest rainfall station is in Altheim (Circle Biberach), about six kilometers from the crash site, where 22 liters per square meter were measured over two hours.
Tragically, the 32-year-old train driver, the 36-year-old trainee, and a 70-year-old passenger died in the accident. A total of 41 people were injured, with some suffering serious injuries. The German police are conducting preliminary investigations into the accident.
The train was carrying a crew of two and 44 passengers. The train driver was a 32-year-old individual, and a 36-year-old trainee was also on board. The responsible public health office for the medical care of injured persons from the derailment accident in Riedlingen is the Kreisgesundheitsamt (district health office) of the Landkreis Biberach, as Riedlingen is located within this district.
Radar data was analyzed retrospectively by the DWD, suggesting that the rain masses developed despite the relatively short distance between the crash site and the rainfall station. This indicates that the heavy rain in Riedlingen may have been more intense than the measurements at the nearby rainfall station.
The DWD did not have a weather station at the exact crash site, but the radar data analysis provides valuable insights into the weather conditions at the time of the derailment. The accident serves as a reminder of the power of heavy rain and the importance of weather monitoring and safety precautions during such events.
