Federal Police Investigate: Train Runs Over Concrete Slabs – Passengers Evacuated
An S-Bahn train in Munich struck several concrete slabs on the tracks, prompting the evacuation of around 200 passengers with no reported injuries.
On Saturday evening in Munich, an S-Bahn train carrying approximately 200 passengers encountered a precarious situation when it ran over several concrete slabs that had been placed on the tracks. According to the train's conductor, the impact was so severe that it briefly lifted the front axle off the ground. The conductor swiftly activated the emergency brakes and called for assistance, ensuring the safety of all passengers onboard, with no injuries reported.
The Federal Police have launched an investigation into this incident as the concrete slabs, measuring around 50 by 40 centimeters and weighing approximately 20 kilograms each, were deliberately placed on the tracks by unidentified perpetrators. These slabs were identified as coming from a cable vault cover, posing a significant safety threat to train operations. The train, operating on the S8 line, was traveling at a speed of about 50 kilometers per hour when the incident occurred, highlighting the potential danger such actions pose to public transport.
In response to the situation, emergency services evacuated the passengers safely, providing bus transport to continue their journeys. The estimated damage to the train is around 10,000 euros, according to initial assessments from Deutsche Bahn. This incident not only raises serious concerns about the safety and integrity of the railway infrastructure but also highlights the urgent need for vigilance against vandalistic and dangerous acts that put public safety at risk.