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Trial begins after train accident in Garmisch: Hope for justice!
Report on the start of the trial for a train accident in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which claimed five lives, on October 28, 2025.
Trial begins after train accident in Garmisch: Hope for justice!
The train accident near Burgrain in June 2022 is and remains a tragic chapter for the community of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The trial begins today, October 28, 2025, against two railway employees who are accused of negligent homicide and bodily harm. The events surrounding the accident are still in people's minds and raise many questions and critical voices.
On the last day of school before the Whitsun holidays, June 3, 2022, the regional train RB-D 59458 derailed on a curve near Burgrain. A total of five people were killed, including four women and a 13-year-old boy, and more than 70 other passengers were injured. Mayor Elisabeth Koch expresses the hope that this process will lead to the clarification of the accident that happened a few days before the G7 summit, when many rescue workers were already on site. This particular constellation increased the tragedy of the situation.
Causes and consequences
Looking at the causes of the accident, the final report from the Federal Bureau of Railway Accident Investigation (BEU) names dilapidated concrete sleepers as the main problem. These thresholds had lost stability due to known chemical reactions. An internal report from Deutsche Bahn points out that the accident was also due to the company staff's behavior that violated the rules and duties. The dispatcher had not passed on information about irregularities, which led to the disastrous chain reaction.
As a result of the accident, Deutsche Bahn replaced over 1.7 million railway sleepers and tightened safety measures. In this context, the mayor emphasizes the urgency of strengthening the sense of community and establishing better warning systems. A central concern, not only for the people of Garmisch, but also for everyone who depends on safety in rail transport.
Start of process and outlook
The start of the trial against the dispatcher and the district manager for the roadway has been ongoing since today. A third railway employee was temporarily excluded from the proceedings in exchange for a fine. The initial criticism of the train, which is traditionally considered a safe means of transport in Germany, remains up in the air. The need for security must become even more important in the coming months and years.
The city community and its representatives are now looking forward to the coming days and hope for a verdict that not only does justice to the victims, but also brings important lessons for future safety in rail traffic. One overarching goal remains clear: the speed of life requires good and, above all, safe transport routes – for everyone.