What was supposed to be a routine Sunday evening commute turned into a scene of horror as a passenger train careened off the rails in southern Germany, killing at least three people and injuring dozens more.
The derailment occurred around 6:10 p.m. local time near Zwiefaltendorf, a quiet village nestled just outside Riedlingen—about 100 miles west of Munich. Authorities say the double-decker regional train was packed with nearly 100 passengers when two of its carriages violently left the tracks, tumbling into a densely wooded area.
“This is one of the worst rail incidents we’ve seen in this region in years,” said Police Chief Rainer Köhler. “Our first responders encountered a chaotic and heartbreaking scene.”
Rescue teams scrambled to the remote site, climbing over wreckage and broken trees to reach passengers trapped inside mangled carriages. Photos from the scene show firefighters atop the toppled cars, desperately searching for survivors.
“Everything was shaking, then there was this horrible screeching sound,” said Katrin Weiss, 38, a passenger who survived with minor injuries. “People were screaming… I thought I was going to die.”
The exact number of those injured is still unclear, but officials say several victims sustained serious trauma and were airlifted to nearby hospitals. Emergency crews are continuing to comb through the wreckage overnight.
Though the cause is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest severe thunderstorms may have played a role. The area had just been lashed by heavy rain and winds minutes before the accident. Investigators are examining whether washed-out tracks, debris, or lightning strikes could have contributed to the disaster.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took to social media to express his grief, writing on X, formerly Twitter: “My thoughts are with the victims of this tragic train accident and their loved ones. We mourn together.”
Germany’s national rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, confirmed the derailment and said it is working “closely and transparently” with investigators. The company also offered condolences and said support services have been activated for victims and their families.
Sunday’s crash has reignited concerns about Germany’s rail infrastructure, already under pressure from increased ridership, aging tracks, and unpredictable weather. A similar derailment in 2022 in Bavaria killed five people and led to widespread criticism over rail maintenance and safety protocols.
“This can’t keep happening,” said Peter Langhoff, a transportation safety expert based in Berlin. “Modern rail networks must be resilient—not just to wear and tear, but to climate events.”
Back at the crash site, the rescue operation is far from over. “We’re still in recovery mode,” said Chief Köhler. “But we won’t rest until we know everyone is accounted for.”
The investigation is ongoing, and Deutsche Bahn has suspended service along the affected route. Authorities are expected to release a preliminary report within the coming days.
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