Train derails in southern Germany, killing at least 3 people

At least three people have died in a train accident in southern Germany, after two carriages derailed on Sunday evening. The accident is believed to have been caused by a landslide, but investigations are ongoing. 

5 dead and 41 injured in train accident in Baden-Württemberg

A regional train travelling between Sigmaringen and Ulm derailed near Riedlingen in the Biberach district of Baden-Württemberg at 6.10pm on Sunday evening. According to police, three people were killed, including the train driver, a Deutsche Bahn employee, and a passenger. 

At least 41 other people were injured, many of them seriously, Ulm police said in a press release. The RE5 train was carrying around 100 people at the time of the incident. Emergency services worked through the night on Sunday to move the injured to the hospital and remove the derailed train cars from the tracks. 

Biberach train derailment likely caused by landslide, police say

A spokesperson for Ulm police told ARD that the derailment is believed to have been caused by the weather. It was raining heavily at the time of the incident. “We assume that a sewage shaft probably overflowed, and the water then flowed down the embankment, causing a landslide,” they said. 

The railway line is currently closed, with Deutsche Bahn reporting that services between Munderkingen and Berteingen have been suspended, although rail replacement buses are in operation. Anyone travelling in the area is recommended to check online for timetable changes.