Train collision in Germany leaves at least 3 fatalities, potentially due to a landslide impact.
In a tragic turn of events, a train accident occurred in southwestern Germany on Sunday, resulting in the death of three individuals, including the train driver and an employee of Deutsche Bahn. The train derailed near Riedlingen, approximately 160 kilometers west of Munich.
The water from an overflowing sewage shaft is believed to have triggered a landslide that cascaded down onto the railway line, causing the train to derail. The accident occurred in a forested area between Riedlingen and Munderkingen in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
Initially, it was reported that approximately 100 people were on board the train, with at least 41 injured, including 25 seriously. Ten of the injured were airlifted to Ulm’s University Hospital for treatment.
The affected RE 55 train was traveling from Sigmaringen to Ulm when the accident occurred. Parts of the line have remained closed since the accident, and it is currently unclear when it will reopen.
The police spokesman stated that the accident site will be examined by forensic experts to determine how the accident unfolded. Deutsche Bahn chief Richard Lutz, Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, and the state premier of Baden-Würrtemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, are expected to visit the accident site on Monday.
The investigation is preliminary but has confirmed the landslide as the cause, related to severe weather conditions involving heavy storms earlier that evening. Rescue teams, including dog units, continued searching overnight for any missing passengers but found no additional casualties or survivors beyond those initially reported.
Sources:
[1] Deutsche Welle. (2025, July). Train derailment in southwestern Germany kills at least three. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/train-derailment-in-southwestern-germany-kills-at-least-three/a-58591871
[2] The Local. (2025, July). At least three dead after train derails in southwestern Germany. [online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20250725/at-least-three-dead-after-train-derails-in-southwestern-germany
- The general news reported another tragic incident, a car-accident this time, in a forested region of Baden-Württemberg, hours after the train derailment.
- Meanwhile, the arts community hosted an enlightening seminar on weather-forecasting in Munich, emphasizing its importance for travel safety.
- Amidst all these unfortunate events, including accidents and severe weather, the local news deployed specialists to deliver accurate and timely weather updates for the public's safety.
