Train Derailment in Baden-Württemberg Likely Caused by Landslide/ Zugunglück in Baden-Württemberg

 

A tragic train accident occurred near Riedlingen in the district of Biberach, Baden-Württemberg, on the evening of July 27, 2025. Authorities report that three people have died, including the train driver and another Deutsche Bahn employee. Around 50 passengers were injured, with at least 25 sustaining serious injuries.

According to initial findings by investigators from the state and federal police, the most probable cause of the derailment was a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall. An overflowing drainage shaft near the tracks, caused by intense local downpours—30 to 40 liters of rain per square meter in a short time—led to a slope collapsing onto the railway line. A section of the train was reportedly thrown several meters up a slope and crashed into trees.

The affected route between Munderkingen and Herbertingen remains closed. Bus replacement services began operating early Monday morning. The derailed RE55 regional train must be recovered and the damaged track repaired before services can resume. Deutsche Bahn has announced that the line will not be operational on Monday.

Emergency response has been extensive, involving hundreds of personnel from fire services, police, German Red Cross, THW, and even the Bundeswehr. Search operations with rescue dogs and drones were conducted throughout the night. The University Hospital in Ulm declared a disaster alert to manage the mass casualty event, deploying 120 medical staff.

Forensic teams are currently examining the accident site to reconstruct the exact sequence of events. It is not yet known whether the train’s black box has been retrieved.

Political leaders including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Baden-Württemberg’s Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann, and Interior Minister Thomas Strobl have expressed their condolences. Bahn CEO Richard Lutz is set to visit the site to meet emergency workers and victims' families.

A free hotline has been set up for those affected by the incident: 0800 / 3 111 111. Psychological support services are also being made available to passengers and staff.

The full investigation into the incident is ongoing. Authorities have currently ruled out foul play.