Frankfurt-Fulda rail line reopens after ICE train crashes into excavator
A railway line between Fulda and Frankfurt am Main has reopened after a serious accident near Gelnhausen. The incident involved an ICE train colliding with an excavator's extended arm on the tracks. No passengers were injured, but around 500 had to be evacuated as a precaution. The accident happened on 21 June 2024 when an ICE high-speed train struck the arm of an excavator on the tracks. The collision damaged overhead power lines, forcing the train to stop. Emergency services quickly evacuated approximately 500 passengers, though none were hurt.
Repair teams worked to fix the power lines and inspect the tracks for further damage. By early Tuesday evening, all restoration work was finished, and the line was declared safe for use.
Regional and long-distance train services returned to their normal schedules shortly after. No further diversions were needed, and operations resumed without additional delays. The line is now fully operational, with trains running as planned. Authorities confirmed that the incident resulted in no injuries, though the cause of the excavator's presence on the tracks remains under review. Services have returned to their regular timetables.
