ICE 73 train window cracks after stone strike near Frankfurt
A window on an ICE 73 train cracked mid-journey after being struck by an external object. The incident happened on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 2:10 PM while travelling from Hamburg to Basel. No passengers were hurt, but the train had to stop for inspection. The damage occurred as the train passed through the Langenschwarz Tunnel near Frankfurt. A loud bang was heard before the outer pane of the multi-layered window shattered. The train then halted at Fulda station, where Federal Police examined the cracked glass. Deutsche Bahn’s initial investigation later confirmed the cause: a stone had been thrown at the train. Video evidence supported this finding. After assessing the damage, a Deutsche Bahn employee applied a protective film to the broken window. This allowed the train to resume its journey, though at a slower speed. The incident caused a brief delay but no injuries. Authorities are reviewing the video footage as part of their investigation. The train reached its destination after repairs were made to ensure passenger safety.
