Major train accident in Germany likely provoked by a landslide

A train accident in southwestern Germany on Sunday evening resulted in the deaths of three people and left more than 40 injured, according to reports from newspapers and television channels.

Two coaches derailed on a regional train traveling between the cities of Sigmaringen and Ulm in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg. According to police reports, the train had approximately 100 passengers on board. Among the victims were the train driver, an employee of Deutsche Bahn, and a passenger, as stated by the ARD television network on Monday morning.

Following overnight rescue operations, the German Federal Police are now investigating the cause of the derailment. Initial findings suggest that heavy rainfall in the Riedlingen area (Biberach district) caused a sewage shaft to overflow. According to a police spokesperson, the excess water likely triggered a landslide that deposited mud and debris directly onto the railway tracks. The regional express train then ran over the debris and derailed a few meters later, told the police.

The investigation is now still ongoing, and authorities say there is currently no indication of foul play. It is not yet clear how long the investigation will take.

Rail Services Disrupted in Southwestern Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz posted on X: “The train accident in the Biberach district has shocked me. We mourn the victims, and I express my condolences to their families.”

Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder said: “The situation on site is shocking.” He added that the full extent of the accident in Riedlingen is still unclear. “Our experts are on their way to investigate the cause of the accident together with local authorities,” he added.

Baden-Württemberg’s Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann also expressed his condolences, calling the incident “a tragic piece of news.” He pledged a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.

Accident Highlights German Railway Challenges

Train services between Munderkingen and Herbertingen have been suspended indefinitely. The accident has disrupted the operations of an important regional route — RE55 — which connects Ulm, Donaueschingen, and Sigmaringen.

Buses are currently replacing train service between Herbertingen and Munderkingen on the derailed RE55 line. Trains continue to operate on the remaining segments of the route: Munderkingen–Ulm and Herbertingen–Sigmaringen. Although the climate is the cause behind the accident, it once again underscores the ongoing challenges facing Germany’s railway system.

The incident highlights the worsening condition of the Deutsche Bahn network, which has experienced a growing number of breakdowns and accidents in recent years. In 2024, only 62.5% of long-distance trains arrived on time — defined as delays under six minutes — marking a historic low for Deutsche Bahn. Last year alone, delays cost the company nearly €200 million in compensation payments to passengers.

Experts estimate that a total of €150 billion is needed to overhaul, expand, and digitize the rail network. This is in addition to a previously allocated €50 billion for renovation projects planned through 2030.

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