At least three people have died and dozens more are reported injured after a regional train carrying around 100 passengers derailed in southern Germany.
The crash occurred near the town of Riedlingen in Baden-Wuerttemberg just after 6pm local time on Sunday, with authorities still investigating the cause of the tragic incident.
A police spokesman confirmed: “The accident occurred at around 6.10pm (5.10pm GMT) near the town of Riedlingen in Baden-Wuerttemberg state.” The nearby Reutlingen control centre described the disaster as a “mass casualty incident.”
The passenger service was en route from Sigmaringen to the city of Ulm when at least two carriages left the tracks in a wooded area. Footage from the scene showed yellow and grey carriages tipped onto their sides, with firefighters and emergency services attempting to reach those trapped inside.
Emergency helicopters were quickly dispatched, with additional crews brought in from the neighbouring state of Bavaria to support the rescue operation. Rail replacement services were also launched in the aftermath of the derailment.
Baden-Wuerttemberg’s interior minister, Thomas Strobl, travelled to the crash site, later telling Bild:
“At the moment we have to mourn three deaths. In addition, several dozen injured, including several seriously injured. All passengers from the wagons have been brought to safety. But now wagons need to be lifted to make sure no one is under the train.”
Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was working closely with the interior and transport ministers.
He said: “The train accident in the district of Biberach upsets me. We mourn for the victims. I express my sympathy to their relatives.”
Federal transport minister Patrick Schnieder added:
“The situation on site was shocking. We are in close contact with the railway and are providing support wherever we can. My thoughts are with the injured, their families, and rescue workers.”