A regional passenger train derailed in southern Germany overnight, resulting in at least three fatalities and multiple serious injuries, according to authorities. The incident occurred near Riedlingen, approximately 158 kilometres west of Munich, and the exact cause of the derailment is still being investigated by federal and local police.
Images from the scene reveal train carriages tipped on their sides, as rescue teams manoeuvred atop the vehicles. Approximately 100 passengers were on board when the train derailed around 6:10 PM local time (2:10 AM AEST). The total number of injuries is currently unspecified.
Prior to the derailment, the area experienced storms, leading investigators to consider whether the weather conditions played a role in the accident. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his sorrow over the tragic event and conveyed condolences to the victims’ families via a post on social media platform X.
Deutsche Bahn, the primary national railway operator in Germany, stated that it is collaborating fully with the investigation and extended its sympathies to those affected by the crash.