At least three people have lost their lives and several more sustained serious injuries after a passenger train derailed in south-west Germany, according to police sources.
The train, operated by Deutsche Bahn, came off the tracks near Riedlingen, close to Stuttgart, under circumstances that remain unclear.
The incident occurred shortly after a reported storm had swept through the region.
According to German news agency dpa, the derailment happened around 18:10 local time (17:10 BST) in a forested area. Approximately 100 passengers were on board at the time, with at least two carriages veering off the track.
German Chancellor, Freidrich Merz, expressed his condolences in a post on X, saying he “mourn[ed] the victims” and extended his “deepest sympathy” to their loved ones.
He also confirmed he was coordinating with both the interior and transport ministers, urging them to ensure emergency teams receive full support.
A statement from Ulm police confirmed that “three people were killed and other passengers were seriously injured,” based on initial findings.
Photos from the crash site reveal carriages overturned amid a dense emergency response, with rescue teams and firefighters working diligently to reach passengers.
The surrounding area is littered with fallen trees, underscoring the severity of the storm.
The train was reportedly traveling a 90-kilometre (55-mile) route between Sigmaringen and Ulm when the incident occurred.
“The exact situation is still unclear at this time,” Deutsche Bahn shared in a post on X. “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and everyone who now has to process this experience.”
