A regional passenger train derailed on Sunday evening in southern Germany, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and leaving several others seriously injured, according to local authorities. The tragic incident occurred near the town of Riedlingen, located approximately 158 kilometers southwest of Munich, in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the derailment, which took place at around 6:10 p.m. local time (CEST). Images released by first responders show train carriages lying on their sides in a heavily wooded area, with rescue teams using ladders to access the wreckage. The train was reportedly traveling through a rural stretch of track when at least two carriages came off the rails, though the exact number and extent of injuries remain uncertain.
Preliminary estimates suggest that around 100 passengers were on board at the time of the crash. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, and it is still unclear how many were hospitalized or treated at the scene. Federal and regional police have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the derailment, but no official explanation has been provided.
Germany’s main rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, which oversees the regional line in question, has not issued a formal statement in response to inquiries from the press, including from The Associated Press. The silence from the operator has led to increased public demand for accountability and transparency as investigators work to determine whether infrastructure issues, technical failures, or human error played a role in the tragedy.
Train derailments in Germany are relatively rare, as the country is known for its modern and efficient railway system. However, when such accidents do occur, they often draw national attention due to the country’s reliance on rail transport for both regional and intercity travel. Sunday’s derailment is one of the deadliest incidents involving a passenger train in Germany in recent years.
Transport Minister Volker Wissing expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for a full investigation. “Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and those who are injured. We must find out exactly what went wrong to prevent this from happening again,” he said in a brief statement to the media.
Local hospitals in the region have reportedly activated emergency protocols to receive potential mass casualty patients. Meanwhile, recovery operations are ongoing, and authorities are working to stabilize the derailed carriages and clear the track. The remote location of the crash site has added challenges to rescue efforts, requiring specialized equipment and teams to navigate the wooded terrain.
This derailment comes amid ongoing concerns across Europe about railway infrastructure, especially in rural areas where maintenance schedules are less frequent. As Germany continues to invest in its transportation network under the federal modernisation plan, Sunday’s crash may prompt new scrutiny of rail safety standards and inspection protocols.
