Train collides with man even after emergency brakes are applied

Train accident leaves 58-year-old man severely injured at Lauda-Königshofen on Thursday afternoon.

, and Administrator

2025 September 14 . 2:32 AM

1 min read

Train collides with individual, despite activated emergency stop mechanism

Train collides with man even after emergency brakes are applied

A 58-year-old man was seriously injured in Lauda-Königshofen on Thursday afternoon when he was hit by a regional train. The incident occurred around 12 pm, and the train line between Crailsheim and Lauda has been closed for approximately one hour due to the accident.

The man did not notice the approaching train before the incident, and the train was traveling from Crailsheim at approximately 40 km/h. The train driver applied the emergency brake upon seeing the man on the tracks, but it was too late to avoid the collision. The man was taken to the hospital by helicopter following the accident, and no further information regarding his condition has been provided.

The Federal Police are investigating the incident on suspicion of endangering rail traffic. It is worth noting that it is dangerous to enter tracks outside of crossings or underpasses. Trains can approach silently and require several hundred meters to stop, even with an emergency brake. Travelers and passersby are advised to always use designated crossings to avoid accidents.

A reminder was also issued that the person suspected of endangering railway traffic is investigated by the Federal Police (Bundespolizei) when there is suspicion of dangerous interference with railway operations, as in cases of material fatigue causing track damage or other threats to train safety.

Fortunately, the 27 passengers on the train were unharmed in the incident. The train line has since reopened, and services have resumed as normal. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.