Train derails in southwest Germany after landslide, causing deaths

2025, July 28

Germany

On Sunday evening, three people were killed after a train carrying over one hundred passengers derailed and crashed in a sylvan area in southwest Germany. Several more were injured in the incident.

The derailment remains under investigation. The number of injured passengers continues to be clarified by local authorities.

The crash occurred at Riedlingen in Baden-Württemberg, close to the city of Ulm and the town of Biberach near Stuttgart.

Authorities were investigating the cause of the derailment. Several reports indicated a landslide had occurred following heavy storms in the area. One source reported local authorities believed an overflowing sewage shaft might have triggered the landslide, scattered debris onto the train tracks. Two of the train's carriages derailed after striking the debris, climbed a sixteen-foot embankment, and came to rest after crashing into trees, according to United Press International (UPI).

German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz addressed the incident on social media. According to a translation by United Press International, he said: "The train accident in the Biberach district is a shock to me. I am in close contact with the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Transport and have asked them to support the rescue services with all means possible. We mourn the victims."