Evacuation of 500 people - Closure of the main railway line between Cologne and Düsseldorf
A malfunction in the power lines caused significant disruption on the main railway line between Düsseldorf and Cologne, leading to around 500 passengers being stranded on a Regional Express train operated by National Express for several hours.
The closure affects both regional and long-distance trains. Deutsche Bahn NRW reported that long-distance train services have been largely rerouted, while regional trains are facing some diversions, alternative bus services, and cancellations of some trips. Repair work is now underway on the overhead power lines, with no specific date set for the resumption of service.
The evacuation of the RE1 (RRX) train stopped in southern Düsseldorf requires special attention due to safety precautions. The train was stopped in an inaccessible area, necessitating the intervention of firefighting teams to ensure safe access for the evacuation of passengers.
Passengers remained on the overcrowded train until the overhead power line was disabled and drained of energy. Alternative buses were provided to help travelers reach their destination safely. The incident caused significant delays on one of the busiest lines in the Rhine area.
The cause of the damage to the overhead power lines is still under investigation. This line sees hundreds of trains daily, making the disruption a significant challenge for daily commuters and long-distance travelers in the area.