Disruptions hit ICE train service between Berlin and Munich
A fire in a railway underpass in Hirschaid, Upper Franconia, Germany, has caused significant disruptions to rail services across the country. The incident, which occurred recently, was deliberately set, according to ongoing investigations by local police and federal railway safety officials.
The fire caused severe damage to the structure, preventing the use of tracks above the underpass. As a result, ICE train services between Berlin and Munich experienced significant delays, with passengers facing delays until at least Thursday morning. The disruption in rail traffic has also affected multiple rail connections, including those between Forchheim and Bamberg.
In Forchheim, the stops have been affected, necessitating the use of a replacement bus service. Stops in Erlangen and Bamberg have been canceled due to the disruption in rail traffic. ICE trains between Nuremberg and Erfurt in both directions are being rerouted and delayed by approximately 90 minutes.
Individual IC trains between Nuremberg and Leipzig (via Jena) and between Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and Gera are not running due to the disruption. Repairs for the damaged tracks are currently being planned, and the disruption in rail traffic between Forchheim and Bamberg is expected to continue until the repairs are completed.
Investigators are analysing surveillance footage, forensic evidence from the scene, and witness statements to identify the perpetrator(s). As of now, no arrests have been publicly announced, but police have not ruled out multiple suspects.
Local authorities continue to appeal for any additional information from the public to aid the investigation. For the most up-to-date details, checking recent news reports from German news outlets or official police press releases is recommended, as new developments could occur.
Deutsche Bahn has announced that a replacement bus service has been established between Forchheim and Bamberg due to the track closure. The fire incident in Hirschaid is an independent cause of the delays in ICE train services between Nuremberg and Erfurt, not directly related to the track closure between Nuremberg and Erfurt.
The "Bild" newspaper had previously reported on the disruption in rail traffic, shedding light on the widespread impact of the incident. As the investigation continues, travellers are advised to check their journeys before setting off to avoid any unexpected delays or cancellations.
Finance industries are likely to face potential losses due to the disruptions in rail services across Germany, affecting the timely delivery of goods and passengers. The transportation sector, particularly the rail industry, is experiencing significant challenges, leading to delays and cancellations, which could have long-term implications for businesses relying on timely transport.
