Last Saturday evening, a group of unknown persons created a deadly threat to hundreds of people by placing heavy concrete barriers on the rails. A suburban train, carrying approximately 200 passengers, struck the obstacles at full speed.
Only the rapid reaction of the driver and a fortunate turn of events prevented casualties, though the transport hub was paralyzed for several hours. Law enforcement agencies are currently conducting an active search for the perpetrators, whose actions are classified as a serious crime against traffic safety.
Emergency braking and the train lifting above the rails
The emergency occurred on the section between the Westkreuz and Neuaubing stations. The driver of the train, traveling on the S8 line, suddenly felt a powerful impact at the front of the train. According to the 45-year-old railway worker, the jolt was so strong that the wheels of the front bogie momentarily lost contact with the rails, effectively lifting the multi-ton machine above the tracks. In this situation, the man immediately applied emergency braking and sent a distress signal.
During the inspection of the scene, emergency services personnel discovered the remains of eleven concrete slabs on the tracks. Each slab was of impressive size—approximately 50 by 40 centimeters—and weighed about 20 kilograms.
It was later revealed that the slabs were covers for cable ducts, which the perpetrators dismantled nearby and intentionally laid out on the train’s path. At the moment of the collision, the train was traveling at a speed of about 50 kilometers per hour, which, combined with the weight of the concrete blocks, could have led to a full derailment of the train.
Consequences for passengers and material damage
The evacuation of passengers from the damaged train was carried out by the fire department. People were led from the cars to a safe zone, after which transportation by replacement buses was organized for them. Despite the lack of injuries, the material and logistical damage proved significant.
According to preliminary estimates by Deutsche Bahn specialists, the repair of the traction vehicle will cost at least 10,000 euros. Fortunately, the railway track itself was not damaged as a result of the impact.
The incident triggered a massive transport collapse on the western direction of the Munich hub. The branch between Westkreuz and Freiham stations remained closed for two and a half hours. According to official data, during this time, the total delay of four trains exceeded 570 minutes, and 13 partial cancellations of trips were recorded in the S-Bahn schedule, causing inconvenience to thousands of citizens.
Search for perpetrators involving aviation
The Federal Police have launched a large-scale operation to find those involved in this act of sabotage. Ground patrols and a police helicopter equipped with thermal imagers were immediately involved in the search. Despite the speed of the actions, no one was apprehended in the immediate aftermath.As part of the criminal case, the investigation is considering a version of dangerous interference with the operation of railway transport.
The police have appealed to the public for assistance: any witnesses who noticed suspicious activity near the railway tracks between Westkreuz and Neuaubing on Saturday evening are asked to provide available information. Law enforcement officers emphasize that such actions are regarded not as minor hooliganism, but as a serious crime threatening the lives of a large number of people.
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