EU Three dead after sewage overflow causes German train to derail

[CharlieH]

 

Three Dead and Dozens Injured After Train Derails in South-West Germany

Three people have died and more than 40 others were injured after a passenger train derailed in south-west Germany, reportedly due to a landslide caused by an overflowing sewage shaft, local authorities have confirmed.

According to prosecutors, the accident occurred on Sunday between the towns of Riedlingen and Munderkingen, near Stuttgart, following heavy rainfall in the area. The overflow triggered a landslide along the railway embankment, which led to the derailment.

 

Among those killed were the train driver, a railway employee, and one passenger. A further 41 individuals sustained injuries.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his condolences on Sunday, stating he "mourn[ed] the victims" and extended his "deepest sympathy" to their families. He added on social media platform X that he was in close contact with the ministers of interior and transport, urging them to provide full support to emergency services.

 

Police in Ulm stated that the train was travelling along a 90-kilometre (55-mile) route between Sigmaringen and Ulm when the derailment occurred. The crash took place at around 18:10 local time (17:10 BST) in a forested area, with at least two carriages coming off the tracks.

 

Roughly 100 people were on board at the time. Photos from the scene show overturned train cars, fallen trees, and emergency responders working to reach those trapped inside.

Rail operator Deutsche Bahn said in a statement: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and everyone who now has to process this experience.”

 

Authorities said the site of the crash remains closed while investigations continue. Rail services in the area have been suspended, and clean-up operations are scheduled to begin Monday.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-07-28