Sewage spill caused deadly train derailment in Germany, police say
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Sewage-triggered landslide derails German train, kills three and injures dozens.
Sewage Overflow Causes Fatal Train Crash in Germany, Kills Three
A tragic train derailment in southwest Germany has claimed the lives of three people and left 41 others injured. The accident occurred on Sunday between the towns of Riedlingen and Munderkingen near Stuttgart, following heavy rainfall in the region.
Cause: Overflowing Sewage Shaft Triggered Landslide
Local authorities confirmed that a sewage shaft overflowed due to intense rain, leading to a landslide on the bank adjacent to the railway tracks. This landslide caused the train to derail while en route from Sigmaringen to Ulm.
Victims and Emergency Response
Among the deceased are the train driver, a rail employee, and one passenger. The derailment occurred at approximately 18:10 local time with nearly 100 passengers on board. Emergency services rushed to the scene, with firefighters and rescue teams working through dense forest to access the overturned carriages and assist the injured.
Chancellor Expresses Condolences
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his sorrow, stating he “mourns the victims” and extended “deepest sympathy” to their families. He added that he is coordinating with both the interior and transport ministries to ensure full support for emergency teams.
Rail Operator’s Statement
Railway operator Deutsche Bahn released a statement expressing their solidarity with the victims, saying, “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and everyone who now has to process this experience.”
Investigation Underway, Rail Services Suspended
According to the Ulm police, the train was operating on a 90-kilometre route when at least two carriages derailed in a wooded area. Investigations are ongoing to fully determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities confirmed that the crash site will remain closed, and rail services along the route have been suspended until further notice. Clean-up operations are set to begin on Monday.
Crash Site Reveals Extent of Damage
Images from the scene reveal the dramatic impact of the crash. Carriages lay on their sides, with emergency personnel navigating fallen trees and debris to rescue trapped passengers. The area, surrounded by forest, complicated rescue operations and added urgency to the emergency response.
Heavy Rainfall Blamed for Infrastructure Failure
This incident highlights the growing risks posed by extreme weather, particularly in vulnerable areas where infrastructure may be susceptible to environmental changes. Prosecutors are continuing to investigate whether more preventive measures could have avoided this tragic outcome.
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