Late Sunday evening, a regional express train derailed near Riedlingen in the southern German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, claiming the lives of three passengers and leaving several others seriously injured. Two carriages left the tracks, sending shockwaves through local communities.
Local police swiftly established a command center at the site and deployed firefighters, paramedics and volunteers. Both the affected rail line and a nearby road are closed as rescue teams work around the clock to assist victims and secure the area.
The incident came after the region was hit by a powerful storm earlier in the day, according to the German Press Agency. While weather conditions are under review, investigators say it’s too early to determine if the storm played a direct role in the derailment.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took to X to offer condolences: “We mourn the victims. I express my sympathy to their families.” His message reflects the national concern over the human toll of transport accidents.
Authorities have not provided a timeline for reopening the route as investigations continue into why the train left the tracks.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
