In the vicinity of a regional train news domain, an unexpected spectacle unfolded: An ICE train clashed with a stationary regional train in Lower Saxony last Thursday afternoon.
As per authorities, this incident occurred close to Lauenbrück station near a railway switch. The ICE, traveling at a comparatively moderate speed of 80 kilometers per hour, couldn't completely halt before colliding with the empty regional train at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour.
Visual evidence of the incident reveals severe damage on both sides. The regional train's windshield shattered, and its sidewall was torn apart. The impact was so intense that neither train could proceed any further.
Gratefully, the panic-stricken 550 passengers on the ICE were unscathed. The local police took charge of the scene, while the passengers disembarked and walked approximately 400 meters to Lauenbrück station.
The accident compelled the immediate shutdown of the rail line, prompting ongoing investigations to determine the root cause. Metronom, the regional train operator, had organized alternative transportation methods — such as buses and a hotel train at Tostedt station — for affected passengers.
Preliminary suspicions pointed towards possible human error and technical issues surrounding the tragic collision. However, the information remains tentative, and a comprehensive investigation is underway by the Lower Saxony police to establish the exact cause.
