According to Deutsche Bahn, repair work on the damaged section of the ICE line was completed over the weekend. While trains are now running on schedule, the company warned that some minor delays may still occur.
Fire Severely Damaged Structure on July 4
The incident occurred on July 4, when a fire broke out in a railway underpass. The flames caused such extensive damage to the structure that the overlying tracks had to be shut down entirely. A spokesperson for Deutsche Bahn explained that the bridge was so compromised by the heat and smoke that it became impassable, effectively halting all train operations through the area.
Police Investigate Possible Arson
The exact cause of the blaze remains unclear. The criminal police department in Bamberg has launched an investigation and is currently examining a preliminary suspicion of arson. However, no concrete evidence has yet emerged to indicate deliberate sabotage. Authorities said it was also possible that wooden pallets and planks stored in the underpass had been accidentally ignited.
Widespread Disruptions and Long Delays
The closure had major consequences for rail traffic throughout southern and central Germany. High-speed ICE trains between Nuremberg and Erfurt had to be rerouted in both directions, resulting in delays of up to one hour and forty minutes. Additionally, planned stops in Coburg, Erlangen and Bamberg were canceled. Intercity connections, including those on the Nuremberg–Leipzig route via Jena and the Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe–Gera line, were also suspended.
Regional rail and S-Bahn passengers in the affected areas were transported via replacement buses and large-capacity taxis during the shutdown.
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