Five people die because a regional train derails near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. When searching for the causes, the experts concentrate on possible technical defects.
In the investigations into the cause of the fatal train accident in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, rails and chassis are the focus of the investigations.
The Bavarian Minister of the Interior, Joachim Herrmann, told Bayerischer Rundfunk that the cause of the accident was being “searched for with a focus on technical defects”. Wagon chassis have been secured, “and it is also being considered at the moment to what extent individual rails or sleepers must be secured. In any case, they are being meticulously examined and measured at the moment,” he said.
Renovation work was planned
According to a report in the newspaper “Die Welt”, Deutsche Bahn is planning to carry out renovation work on the tracks on the accident route. Accordingly, from June 25th to July 9th between Oberau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a nightly track position correction and rail renewal should take place. In response to questions from the “world”, Deutsche Bahn said that due to the ongoing investigations, they could not comment on this at the moment.
The investigation into the cause of the accident is being carried out by a Soko “Zug” headed by the Munich II public prosecutor’s office. The Federal Office for Railway Accident Investigation is also involved. According to Herrmann, there is currently no error on the part of the driver. But it is still being determined in all directions.
Five dead and 40 injured
The regional train from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Munich suddenly derailed shortly after departure on Friday afternoon. Four women and a 14-year-old from the region died and 40 people were injured. Among the women killed are two mothers from Ukraine who had fled to Bavaria with their children. One person was still in mortal danger on Monday. Several injured are still in the hospital, but “over the mountain,” said Herrmann.
The last overturned wagon was recovered by cranes on Monday and dismantled for transport. On Monday evening, only the locomotive and at least one wagon were left on the embankment. The street cranes were gone, the Technical Relief Agency had moved away, road sweepers were cleaning the federal highway. However, the crash barriers and height control in front of the Farchant tunnel entrance had not yet been reinstalled.
When the railway line will be released again is currently completely open. The focus here is on investigative work, after which repair work can begin. Replacement buses are in use, but DB said that train journeys in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Murnau area that are not absolutely necessary are not recommended.
The churches held an ecumenical prayer in the parish church of Maria Himmelfahrt in Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Monday evening. Almost a hundred people took part.
