The collision occurred around midnight on Saturday night. According to police reports, the train was on the way from Aachen to Hamm (Westphalia). The train driver suddenly discovered objects on the tracks between Kamen-Methler and Kamen train station. The man initiated emergency braking but was unable to avoid a collision. After the collision, the regional express was no longer operational. The total of 309 passengers were able to continue their journey with a replacement train.

Concrete slabs removed from a cable shaft

According to initial investigations, the police assume that one or more perpetrators deliberately placed several concrete slabs and a metal rod on the tracks. The panels had previously been removed from a cable shaft next to the railway line. The crime scene is near an underpass.

The police initiated criminal proceedings for dangerous interference with rail traffic. She is looking for witnesses who might have seen suspicious people on the railway line.

There have been repeated attacks on railway lines in recent months.