The AFP news agency reported four victims, citing police sources. At around 6 p.m. CEST, a Deutsche Bahn (DB) passenger train carrying around 100 people derailed near the corner of Germany that borders France and Switzerland, between the towns of Riedlingen and Munderkingen in the district of Biberach, which borders Bavaria. According to other media reports, more than 30 people were injured, several of them seriously.
The regional train was travelling from Sigmaringen on the Danube to Ulm when it derailed near Riedlingen for reasons that are still unclear.
Train services on the line have been suspended.
According to the Czech News Agency, a storm swept through the region in the early evening. According to DPA, the police are investigating a possible link between the storm and the accident. The Schwäbische Zeitung reports that soil from a slope collapsed onto the tracks.
Part of the train overturned near the town of Riedlingen on a wooded section of the track. According to the Bild newspaper's website, rescuers tried to get into the train and loud screams could be heard from inside. Photos show that at least three carriages derailed. Fallen trees are also present at the site.
Rescue work is expected to continue throughout the night.
