Several Killed, Many Injured as Train Derails in Southern Germany

A tragic train derailment in southern Germany has left at least three people dead and several others seriously injured, in what local officials are calling a mass casualty incident.

According to authorities, the incident occurred in the Biberach district, near the town of Riedlingen, roughly 158 kilometers west of Munich, at approximately 6:10 p.m. local time. The train, which was carrying about 100 passengers, derailed in a forested area, causing at least two of its carriages to overturn.

Photos from the scene show overturned carriages and emergency responders climbing onto the train to assist victims. While the exact number of injured passengers remains unconfirmed, officials report that several people sustained serious injuries.

The cause of the derailment is still under investigation. However, recent severe weather in the area may have played a role.

“There have been heavy rains here, so it cannot be ruled out that the rain and a related landslide accident may have been the cause,” said Thomas Strobl, Interior Minister of the state of Baden-Württemberg.

Authorities are currently working to determine whether weather-related damage, such as a landslide, could have compromised the railway tracks.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz responded to the tragedy on social media platform X, expressing his condolences to the families of the victims and mourning the loss of life.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Bahn, Germany’s national railway operator, confirmed the derailment and stated it is fully cooperating with investigators. The company also extended its sympathies to the families affected by the accident.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” the railway operator said in an official statement.

The derailment has once again raised concerns about rail safety, especially under extreme weather conditions. As rescue efforts continue and investigations unfold, the people of Germany and the broader international community wait for answers—and hope for recovery for those injured.