# German ICE train accidents

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-ice-train-accidents
> Updated: 2026-10-26T04:08:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

Two separate fatal or serious accidents involving ICE high-speed trains have been reported in Germany.

In a collision near Hamburg, an ICE train struck a truck at the Reller level crossing. A final investigation by the Federal Bureau for Railway Accident Investigation (BEU) concluded that the level crossing was insufficiently designed for large vehicles, noting that a narrow road and sharp turn prevented the truck from clearing the tracks. The report also cited inadequate risk management by rail operator DB InfraGO. The accident resulted in one death and approximately 25 injuries.

In a separate incident in the Katernberg district of Essen, an ICE train struck two workers from a six-person maintenance crew near Grundstraße on the evening of October 25, 2026. One worker died at the scene, and a second worker sustained serious injuries and required rescue by emergency responders. 

Following the Essen collision, Deutsche Bahn implemented service disruptions, diverting long-distance trains between Gelsenkirchen and Duisburg and causing delays of approximately 20 minutes. Essen police have launched a homicide investigation to determine the exact circumstances, specifically looking into “potential negligent homicide.” Emergency counseling has been provided to the train driver and surviving crew members.

## Claims

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

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Essen: One worker killed and another injured in ICE train accident

A railway worker was killed and another seriously injured after being struck by an ICE train during maintenance work in Essen, Germany. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essen-railway-worker-killed-by-ice-train

### 2026-10-16: Hamburg train collision report cites safety risks at level crossing

An investigation into the fatal February 2025 ICE train and truck collision near Hamburg reveals that inadequate level crossing design and poor risk management were key factors.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hamburg-train-collision-report-cites-safety-risks-at-level-crossing

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Cite as: German ICE train accidents. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-ice-train-accidents