A passenger train derailed in a forested area near Riedlingen, southwest Germany, leaving at least three people dead and many others seriously injured.
The accident took place on Friday evening at around 18:10 local time, with about 100 passengers on board at the time of the crash.
According to early reports, two carriages came off the tracks near the city of Stuttgart.
Emergency crews rushed to the site, where images showed overturned carriages and emergency teams trying to rescue trapped individuals.
Firefighters and medical personnel worked in difficult conditions, as fallen trees and damaged rail lines complicated the rescue efforts.
The train was operating on a route between Sigmaringen and Ulm, covering roughly 90 kilometers. Operator Deutsche Bahn confirmed the derailment but did not yet know the cause. However, there were reports of a strong storm in the area shortly before the accident occurred, which may have contributed to the crash.
Police in Ulm confirmed the fatalities and stated that investigations are ongoing.
A number of passengers suffered serious injuries, and the exact number of those affected is still being assessed.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz shared his condolences to the victims and their families.
He also stated that the interior and transport ministries are working closely with emergency services to provide support and assistance at the scene.
Deutsche Bahn has said the situation is still being examined and that all thoughts are with the victims and those impacted by the incident.
The rail company is expected to cooperate fully with authorities to determine the cause of the derailment.
In the meantime, travel disruptions on the affected route are likely, as emergency and clean-up operations continue.