Ibbenbüren train collision

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.

Ibbenbüren train collision
Photograph of the type of train involved
A WestfalenBahn Stadler FLIRT train was involved in the accident
Details
Date16 May 2015
11:31 CEST (09:31 UTC)
LocationIbbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia
CountryGermany
LineLöhne–Rheine railway
OperatorWestfalenBahn
Incident typeCollision with road vehicle
CauseVehicle obstructing line
Statistics
Trains1
Passengers43
Crew2
Deaths2
Injured41

Accident

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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

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The tractor driver may face charges of negligent homicide and causing actual bodily harm by negligence.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "German train crash kills two near Ibbenbueren". BBC News. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Fatal German train crash kills two near Osnabrück". Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Strecke nach Zugunfall bei Ibbenbüren wieder freigegeben" [Distance after train accident at Ibbenbüren released again]. Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung. 17 May 2015. 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.

See also

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