Passenger Pulls Emergency Brake on Train Due to Fear of Strict Police

Thu 2nd Oct, 2025

In a bizarre incident on an ICE train traveling between Berlin and Munich, a 22-year-old man triggered an emergency stop out of frustration after being caught traveling without a ticket. The incident occurred early on a Tuesday morning when the train was nearing its destination.

According to reports from the federal police, the young man boarded the train at Berlin Central Station. When a train attendant discovered that he had not purchased a ticket, she informed him that she would need to contact the federal police to meet the train at the next stop in Munich. The passenger expressed his concern about the police in Munich being too strict, which prompted him to take drastic action.

In a moment of desperation, the man stood up, smashed the glass covering the emergency brake, and pulled it, causing the train to come to a sudden halt while traveling at approximately 280 kilometers per hour. Fortunately, all 320 passengers on board remained unharmed during this alarming situation.

A 50-year-old soldier, who was also a passenger on the train, intervened after witnessing the incident. He detained the young man and handed him over to the authorities when the train made an emergency stop in Ingolstadt, Bavaria.

The federal police have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on several charges, including endangering railway operations, misuse of emergency calls, property damage, and obtaining services without payment.

This unusual event has sparked discussions about train safety and the responsibilities of passengers while traveling. It serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of impulsive actions and the importance of adhering to regulations while utilizing public transportation.


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