The three people who died in Sunday’s train accident in southwestern Germany have been identified, as investigators point to a landslide triggered by heavy rains as the likely cause of the derailment.

Among the victims was a 36-year-old male trainee, confirmed by the railway and transport union EVG on Monday.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families and friends of the deceased,” said Martin Burker, EVG chairman. “We mourn the loss of the two colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.”

Police confirmed the other two fatalities were a 32-year-old male train driver and a 70-year-old female passenger.

The accident occurred near Riedlingen, approximately 160 kilometres west of Munich.

Investigators said a landslide likely caused the derailment: “The water triggered a landslide in the embankment area near the tracks, which in turn probably caused the derailment,” police reported.

According to initial findings, the landslide was set off after a sewage shaft overflowed due to heavy rainfall, sending mud and debris cascading onto the railway line.

The regional RE 55 train was en route from Sigmaringen to Ulm in Baden-Württemberg and carried around 100 passengers when it derailed.

At least two carriages left the tracks, with one reportedly overturning.

Debris and fallen trees were found at the crash site, and an axle was seen lying several metres from the track bed.

At least 41 people were injured in the crash, though earlier reports on Sunday night from local district fire chief Charlotte Ziller mentioned as many as 50 wounded, including 25 seriously.

Police forensic experts were scheduled to examine the scene on Monday to determine the exact sequence of events.

Investigators have recovered the train’s tachograph, a data recorder that logs train speed and operational details, which will be analysed for further clues, Ulm police chief Josef Veser said.

Parts of the rail line remained closed, with no timeline yet for reopening.

Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz, Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder, and Baden-Württemberg State Premier Winfried Kretschmann were expected to visit the crash site on Monday to assess the situation. 

(dpa/NAN)