Essen: One worker killed and another injured in ICE train accident

Essen-Katernberg Deutsche Bahn ICE train accident railway worker death German Federal Police

A fatal railway accident occurred in the Katernberg district of Essen, Germany, late Sunday evening, October 25, 2026. An Intercity-Express (ICE) train struck two workers who were part of a six-person crew performing maintenance work on the tracks near Grundstraße.

One worker died at the scene, while a second worker sustained serious injuries. Emergency responders used a turntable ladder to rescue the injured individual from the track area. The victim was subsequently transported to a hospital.

Following the incident, the Federal Police and Deutsche Bahn implemented service disruptions. Long-distance trains between Gelsenkirchen and Duisburg were diverted, leading to delays of approximately 20 minutes. A homicide investigation has been launched by the Essen police to determine the exact circumstances of the accident, specifically investigating potential negligent homicide. Emergency counselors were provided to the survivors and the train driver.

Entities

Deutsche Bahn · Duisburg · Essen · Essen Fire Department · Federal Police · Gelsenkirchen · German Red Cross

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] A second worker was seriously injured in the accident. www.hertener-allgemeine.de
[● 4 SOURCES] Long-distance trains are being diverted between Gelsenkirchen and Duisburg. www.hertener-allgemeine.de
[● 4 SOURCES] Six employees were working on the track section at the time of the incident. www.hertener-allgemeine.de
[● 4 SOURCES] The Federal Police deployed a helicopter to the scene. www.hertener-allgemeine.de
[● 4 SOURCES] A railway worker died in Essen after being struck by an ICE train. www.hertener-allgemeine.de
[● 4 SOURCES] Train delays are expected to be approximately 20 minutes. www.hertener-allgemeine.de