Germany: Three dead, dozens injured in train derailment caused by landslide

A tragic train derailment near the town of Riedlingen in southern Germany has left three people dead and around 50 injured, including 25 seriously hurt.

The accident, which occurred on July 27, is believed to have been caused by a landslide following heavy rainfall, Caliber.Az reports per German media.

Emergency services, including fire brigades, police, the German Army and search dogs, worked throughout the night to search the wreckage for survivors. No additional casualties have been discovered as of Monday morning.

The incident took place on the RE 55 regional express line, which was travelling from Sigmaringen to Ulm. According to the Federal Police, the train was carrying approximately 100 passengers when it derailed at around 18:10 local time near the Riedlingen district of Bechingen. At least two carriages left the tracks.

Among the deceased are the train’s driver and another employee of Deutsche Bahn, the regional fire chief Charlotte Ziller confirmed. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, but authorities say a landslide triggered by recent severe rainfall is the most likely explanation.

“It’s terrible to witness something like this,” said local resident Karl Figler, 76, who lives close to the crash site. “Two people were lying dead next to the train. They were covered with blankets. At the same time, paramedics were treating the severely injured.”

The accident has shocked the local community, with rescue teams supported by trained dogs searching the debris for signs of life. The fate of those critically injured remains uncertain. “I hope they pull through,” Figler added.

Baden-Württemberg’s Interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) noted the area had seen intense rainfall, which could have destabilised the hillside next to the railway line. “We cannot rule out that the heavy rain and a resulting landslide were the cause of the accident,” he said.

Senior political figures are expected to visit the site later today. Among them are Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz, state premier Winfried Kretschmann (Greens), and transport ministers Patrick Schnieder (CDU) and Winfried Hermann (Greens). They are due to meet with emergency crews and inspect the scene.

The railway line remains closed as investigations continue. 

A coordination centre has been established for relatives, and trauma counsellors and emergency psychologists are on hand to support both passengers and railway staff.

By Aghakazim Guliyev