At least one person has been killed, and more than a dozen injured, after two S-Bahn trains collided just south of Munich in southern Germany on Monday afternoon. 

Two local trains collide head-on south of Munich

According to police, the two S-Bahn trains collided head-on at around 4.40pm, on a single-track section close to the Ebenhausen-Schäftlarn station. Bild reported that a 24-year-old person lost their life, while at least 18 other people were injured and more than 80 were treated in hospital on an outpatient basis. One train driver reportedly had to be cut out of the debris. 

Speaking to Merkur, eyewitnesses described hearing a loud bang and being thrown forward. Images circulating in local media, taken after the incident, showed passengers standing on the tracks next to one partially derailed carriage. 

Around 680 members of the emergency services, including the federal and state police, fire brigade, ambulances and technical relief organisations, were involved in the rescue operation. Efforts were complicated by the fact that the tracks were on an elevated railway embankment, making it more difficult for workers to reach the trains and help the victims. 

The route is currently completely closed, with Deutsche Bahn running a rail replacement bus service on the S7 between Höllriegelskreuth and Wolfratshausen until further notice. 

Cause of S-Bahn collision not yet clear

According to initial findings, the trains were travelling towards each other on a single track section of the route. A police spokesperson said that investigations were underway to determine how the two trains could have been running on the same route at the same time. “No assessment can be made about the cause of the accident at this time,” Deutsche Bahn said in a statement. 

The state premier of Bavaria, Markus Söder, shared his condolences on Twitter, writing, “This is terrible news. We mourn with the relatives and wish all those injured in the S-Bahn accident a speedy recovery. Thanks to all the rescue workers for their quick actions.”