Three Dead, Several Injured in Train Derailment in Southwest Germany

Riedlingen— At least three people have been confirmed dead and several others seriously injured after a passenger train derailed near Riedlingen, southwest Germany, on Monday evening.

The train, operated by Deutsche Bahn, was traveling between Sigmaringen and Ulm when it derailed in a forested area at approximately 18:10 local time. Around 100 passengers were on board at the time of the accident. Local media reports indicate that a severe storm had passed through the area shortly before the incident, although the exact cause of the derailment remains under investigation.

According to a statement from Ulm police, three fatalities have been confirmed, and several passengers sustained serious injuries. Rescue operations were quickly launched, with emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, working to reach those trapped in the overturned carriages.

Images from the crash site show train cars lying on their sides amidst fallen trees, highlighting the challenging conditions for rescue teams.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his condolences in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I mourn the victims and offer my deepest sympathy to their families.” He added that he is in close contact with the interior and transport ministers and has instructed them to provide full support to emergency services.

Deutsche Bahn said in a statement, “The exact situation is still unclear at this time. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and everyone who now has to process this experience.”

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An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the derailment, with weather conditions being considered as a potential factor.