ICE Train from Munich Evacuated After Smoke Incident, 280 Passengers Relocated

On Friday, a high-speed ICE train traveling from Munich to Karlsruhe was brought to an abrupt halt near Dornstadt, located in the Alb-Donau district, due to the unexpected detection of smoke within the locomotive. Approximately 280 passengers were on board when the incident occurred.

The train's operator noticed smoke emerging from the engine and promptly activated an emergency stop, ensuring that the train came to a safe standstill. Initial assessments by the federal police indicated that a malfunction in the braking system caused the brakes to overheat, producing the smoke. Authorities confirmed that there was no open fire and that all safety protocols were executed effectively.

Following the incident, passengers were safely evacuated from the affected train. Emergency personnel implemented improvised bridges to facilitate the transfer from the stationary ICE to a second train that arrived on a parallel track. This allowed all individuals to continue their journey with minimal delay and without any reported injuries.

Deutsche Bahn representatives stated that specialized recovery equipment was required to remove the immobilized train from the tracks. A dedicated recovery train was dispatched to the scene to replace the affected wheel assembly on the malfunctioning ICE. Only after this procedure could the train be towed away from the high-speed line.

To accommodate the recovery operation, rail authorities temporarily suspended all rail traffic on the high-speed route between Wendlingen and Ulm. This led to the rerouting of long-distance trains and caused delays across the broader network. Regional rail services also experienced disruptions, prompting the introduction of replacement buses and alternative train connections to minimize the inconvenience for passengers.

Railway officials and emergency services worked together to ensure that the impact on regional and long-distance travel was limited. Notices and updates were provided to travelers, and support staff assisted those affected by the changes in service. The swift and organized response helped avert injuries and ensured that the evacuation proceeded smoothly.

This incident highlights the importance of rigorous safety checks and rapid response measures within the rail network. While technical malfunctions can occasionally occur, the coordinated actions of train crew, emergency responders, and railway personnel ensured passenger safety and minimized disruption to the wider transport system.

Investigations into the exact cause of the brake malfunction are ongoing, with maintenance teams conducting thorough inspections to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Passengers affected by delays were provided with updates regarding replacement services, and normal operations were gradually restored following the removal of the disabled train.