On November 22, 2024, a freight train collided with a construction train near Kerpen on the railway line between Cologne and Aachen, resulting in the derailment of the locomotive and ten freight cars.

A significant number of emergency responders were initially deployed to the scene, but operations were scaled back by early morning.

The collision injured three individuals, with one person reported to be in serious condition.

Emergency services were alerted to the accident at 1:20 AM, with reports indicating that several train cars were lying across the tracks, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and initial reports suggest that the nature of the goods being transported was unclear.

The railway operator Deutsche Bahn has announced that the disruption is expected to last until the evening hours of November 22, 2024.

A special news update regarding the freight train accident is scheduled to be broadcast at 9:40 AM on WDR, available via livestream and on WDR television.

As a result of the accident, the railway line has been closed indefinitely, and the overhead line has sustained damage.

While the trains were carrying various goods, authorities confirmed that no hazardous materials were released from the train.

This disruption has affected train services between Cologne and Aachen, as well as routes to Brussels and Paris, causing delays of approximately 90 minutes for redirected ICE trains.

Furthermore, Deutsche Bahn indicated that the route will remain closed for several days as investigations continue.

Despite the chaos, a large team of rescue workers managed the situation effectively, ensuring that emergency protocols were followed.