Train drama in Munich: 200 passengers evacuated after catenary damage!

Train drama in Munich: 200 passengers evacuated after catenary damage!

On Tuesday afternoon, June 10, 2025, an unexpected incident occurred in Munich that kept many commuters on their toes. Around 200 passengers had to abruptly leave a regional train on the open route between Ostbahnhof and Berg am Laim. This was on the way to Kufstein when the train's pantograph was affected by a damaged overhead line. As the South German newspaper reported, the train could not continue and the professional fire brigade was on site in no time.

The evacuation of the passengers represented a coordinated challenge. Using ladders, firefighters guided the passengers onto the tracks and on to a nearby street, Hermann-Weinhauser-Straße. In order to provide the emergency services with the necessary space, the route between Munich Ostbahnhof and Grafing was temporarily closed. A replacement rail service was also set up to bring affected travelers to a tram stop as quickly as possible TZ reported.

Rail traffic interrupted

The incident led to massive restrictions on rail traffic. Several regional trains in the direction of Salzburg and Kufstein were canceled, while long-distance trains were rerouted via the freight station tracks, resulting in delays of around 20 minutes. The emergency manager of Deutsche Bahn, the Bavarian Regional Railway as well as police and fire departments were deployed to keep the situation under control and ensure the safety of passengers.

The exact cause of the damage to the overhead line was initially unclear, but a spokesman for the railway stated that the repairs could be expected to be completed in the evening. The event has once again shown how unforeseeable technical problems can affect regular rail traffic.

A look at safety in rail transport

In connection with this incident, it is worth considering general safety in rail transport. Data from the Federal Statistical Office on Statista published show that rail accidents with personal injuries in Germany have been declining in recent years, but the issue of safety remains at the forefront and requires constant attention.

The day's events not only moved commuters, they also remind us of the importance of quick reactions and well-coordinated operations by rescue workers. In a city like Munich, where rail transport is an essential part of everyday life for many residents, it is to be hoped that such incidents remain rare and that the trains run as reliably as possible.