After train crash
The Hanover-Berlin ICE line will remain closed until at least December 16
Two freight trains collided on November 16, 2022 in the Gifhorn district. The important railway line with numerous ICE and IC connections between North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin was closed.
© Michael Matthey / DPA
After a serious freight train accident in the Lower Saxony district of Gifhorn, the railways again extended the closure of the route between Berlin and Hanover.
On one of the most important rail connections in Germany there is a longer route closure. “Long-distance traffic between Berlin and Hanover is expected to be affected until December 16, 2022,” said the railway on . A high volume of travel is to be expected on the trains on the alternative routes.
The serious freight train accident happened on Thursday last week. According to the federal police in Hanover, a freight train loaded with propane gas drove into a stationary freight train at around 3.30 a.m. near Leiferde in the Gifhorn district. Two of a total of 25 cars with propane gas overturned and two more derailed.
Two tank wagons developed leaks from which gas escaped. In addition, according to the information, the overhead line was demolished for several hundred meters. The locomotive was severely damaged and lifted off the tracks, the train driver was injured. As a result of the accident, emergency services had to partially pump out and flare off the gas.
According to initial investigations, the cause of the accident was human error. According to the Federal Police, the affected section was incorrectly released by a railway employee. Accordingly, she allowed a freight train to pass at 40 kilometers per hour, which then drove onto the stationary train. It is determined because of dangerous interference in rail traffic and negligent bodily harm.
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Initially, the railways spoke of a block until last Sunday, then they named November 27th. Five long-distance routes are affected, which have to be diverted. Some stops are canceled as a result, and there are also delays. Travelers should find out about their train connections before starting their journey.
The company continues to offer affected customers a goodwill arrangement. According to Deutsche Bahn, passengers who want to postpone their trip planned for December 16 can use their already booked ticket flexibly up to and including seven days after the end of the disruption.
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