Ibbenbüren train collision
| Ibbenbüren train collision | |
|---|---|
 A WestfalenBahn Stadler FLIRT train was involved in the accident | |
| Details | |
| Date | 16 May 2015 11:31 CEST (09:31 UTC) |
| Location | Ibbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Country | Germany |
| Line | Löhne–Rheine railway |
| Operator | WestfalenBahn |
| Incident type | Collision with road vehicle |
| Cause | Vehicle obstructing line |
| Statistics | |
| Trains | 1 |
| Passengers | 43 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Deaths | 2 |
| Injured | 41 |
On 16 May 2015, a passenger train collided with a tractor and trailer obstructing a level crossing at Ibbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Two people were killed and 41 were injured.
Accident
At 11:31 CEST (09:31 UTC), a WestfalenBahn passenger train travelling from Osnabrück was in collision with a tractor and trailer that were obstructing a level crossing at Ibbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.[1] It was reported that the tractor and trailer, which contained liquid manure, became stuck on the level crossing.[2] Extensive damage was caused to the front and side of the leading carriage of the train,[3] which was a Stadler FLIRT electric multiple unit. It came to a halt 200 metres (220 yd) past the level crossing.[1] The train was travelling at around 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) when it collided with the tractor and trailer.[4]
Two people were killed and 41 were injured, six seriously. Most of the injured were treated for shock.[3] One of those killed was a passenger. The train driver was the other fatality.[3] Passengers from the train were taken to a nearby community centre.[2] Following the accident, a substitute bus service was put in place between Bielefeld and Ibbenbüren. The damaged train was removed to a depot at Rheine. The line through Ibbenbüren reopened on 17 May.[3]
Investigation
The Eisenbahn-Unfalluntersuchungsstelle des Bundes is responsible for investigating railway accidents in Germany. The tractor driver may face charges of negligent homicide and causing actual bodily harm by negligence.[3]
References
- ^ a b "German train crash kills two near Ibbenbueren". BBC News Online. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ a b "Fatal German train crash kills two near Osnabrück". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Strecke nach Zugunfall bei Ibbenbüren wieder freigegeben" [Distance after train accident at Ibbenbüren released again]. Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
- ^ "Zugunglück in Ibbenbüren: Zurück bleiben Trümmer und Trauer" [Train crash in Ibbenbüren: What remains are ruins and mourning] (in German). Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. 18 May 2015.
See also
- Elaborated technical concept after accident (in German)
- White Paper (Deutsche Bahn) (in German)
- Elaborated Guide (emergency management) (in German)