Ibbenbüren train collision

Ibbenbüren train collision

Photograph of the type of train involved

A WestfalenBahn Stadler FLIRT train was involved in the accident
Date 16 May 2015
Time 11:31 CEST (09:31 UTC)
Location Ibbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia
Country Germany
Rail line Löhne–Rheine railway
Operator WestfalenBahn
Type of incident Collision with road vehicle
Cause Vehicle obstructing line
Statistics
Trains 1
Passengers 43
Crew 2
Deaths 2
Injuries 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.[5] 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.[5] 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

  1. 1 2 "German train crash kills two near Ibbenbueren". BBC News Online. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Fatal German train crash kills two near Osnabrück". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Strecke nach Zugunfall bei Ibbenbüren wieder freigegeben" [Distance after train accident at Ibbenbüren released again]. Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. 1 2 "WestfalenBahn kollidiert mit Gülleanhänger bei Ibbenbüren - Mit unseren Gedanken sind wir bei den Angehörigen des verstorbenen Fahrgastes und unseres Kollegen" [WestfalenBahn collides with liquid manure trailer in Ibbenbüren - Our thoughts are with the relatives of the deceased passenger and our colleagues] (in German). WestfalenBahn. 16 May 2015.
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