Disruptions on the route from Berlin to Munich on ICE trains
Upper Franconia, Germany - A fire in a railway underpass near Hirschaid has caused significant disruptions to InterCity Express (ICE) train services between Berlin and Munich. The incident has led to delays and cancellations on this major corridor, affecting numerous passengers.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with suspicion of arson being one of the leading theories. However, no definitive conclusion has been reached publically.
The track closure has resulted in delays of approximately 70 minutes on some routes, with some trains being diverted. This is not the first instance of rail service interruptions caused by fires in Germany recently.
Deutsche Bahn has announced that the tracks above the underpass cannot be used due to severe damage caused by the fire. As a result, ICE trains between Nuremberg and Erfurt are being rerouted in both directions, causing delays of approximately 90 minutes. The stops in Erlangen and Bamberg are also cancelled due to the track closure.
A replacement bus service has been set up between Forchheim and Bamberg to cater to passengers affected by the track closure between these stations.
No new information about the impact on IC trains beyond Bamberg, ICE trains towards Erfurt, or ICE trains towards Zurich was provided. The criminal police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire, and no new details about the extent of the fire's impact on long-distance traffic beyond Bamberg have been released.
The disruptions are expected to continue until at least Thursday morning, with no additional detailed official statements or timelines for reopening the track found so far. The incident was previously reported by the "Bild" newspaper.
Passengers are advised to check the Deutsche Bahn website or contact customer service for the latest updates on their journeys.
- The disruption in InterCity Express (ICE) train services in Upper Franconia, Germany, is not limited to the Berlin-Munich corridor; it has also affected ICE trains towards Erfurt and Zurich.
- In an effort to accommodate passengers, a replacement bus service has been set up between Forchheim and Bamberg, catering to those affected by the track closure between these stations.
- The fire in the railway underpass near Hirschaid has not only impacted public-transit transportation but has also disrupted the automotive industry, as delays and cancellations could affect deliveries and logistics.
- Weather conditions and weather-forecasting have not been reported as a contributing factor in the fire, but they could potentially impact the resumption of ICE train services, considering the continuing disruptions expected until Thursday morning.
