Track worker critically injured after being hit by train in Germany

A 21-year-old track worker from Gelsenkirchen was seriously injured after being struck by a train at Frechen-Königsdorf station early on Thursday. The incident involved a regional express service travelling from Cologne, prompting an immediate shutdown of the RE 9 line for nearly two hours.

The accident occurred when the man was in a restricted area of Königsdorf station as the train approached. Emergency responders provided initial treatment at the scene before rushing him to hospital with severe injuries.

Following the collision, the RE 9 line was suspended, causing seven trains to face combined delays of around 90 minutes. Additional partial closures and diversions were also put in place while authorities investigated. This incident follows a 2023 attack on a Deutsche Bahn employee at the same station, which led to stricter safety measures. Since then, the RE 9 line has seen increased video surveillance, more security patrols, and mandatory de-escalation training for all staff, rolled out nationwide by early 2024. Investigations into how the worker came to be in the hazardous area remain ongoing.

The injured man remains in hospital while authorities continue to examine the circumstances. The RE 9 line has since resumed operations, though some residual delays persisted. Enhanced safety protocols introduced after previous incidents remain in effect across the network.