Trains in Berlin again on course after cable disorder and arrests!

Trains in Berlin again on course after cable disorder and arrests!

Stand: 16.10.2024 8:27 pm

In Berlin, a signal disorder occurred on Tuesday evening, which significantly impaired regional and long-distance traffic. Affected trains of the Deutsche Bahn, including Re-, IC and ICE connections, had to be diverted, which led to delays of up to 20 minutes. Travelers were forced to use alternative S-Bahnen to achieve their goal.

The cause of the disorder quickly turned out to be a willful damage to a signal cable. According to a spokesman for the federal police, a cable was deliberately cut at the Ostendstelle junction in Berlin-Wuhlheide. An alarm was triggered by Deutsche Bahn, and the situation immediately caused massive restrictions on train traffic.

Three arrests by the Federal Police

In connection with the incident, the federal police arrested three suspects. Two men and a woman are said to have stolen copper cable on a construction site of the Deutsche Bahn on the night around 0:30 a.m. The police are now examining whether the arrests have a connection with the willful destruction of the signal cable. These developments suggest that organized actors could be behind the incidents.

Further problems due to signal box damage

In addition to the diversions and delays, the regional traffic of the RE1 between Berlin-Wannsee and Erkner as well as the Re8 occurred. The trains of Ostdeutsche Eisenbahn GmbH (ODEG) also had to be diverted. Hold, such as Charlottenburg, Zoological Garden and the main train station in Berlin, failed during the disorder.

The S-Bahn, however, was not affected. The S-Bahn lines S7 and S3 were able to use travelers who headed the defaulting holding as alternatives. Trains on the RE1 line with a scheduled destination Berlin-Eastbahnhof continued unhindered. This shows that there are usually alternative options in difficult traffic conditions.

The situation has top priority for Deutsche Bahn, and the technicians were able to repair the damaged signal cable by the evening of the same day. Regular operation was resumed, which was a relief for many travelers. Despite the disorders, return to normal timetables was possible promptly and shows the high ability to react to unexpected events.

However, the incident also initiated a great discussion about the security of the rail infrastructure and protection against vandalism. With the arrest of the suspects, attempts will be made to prevent similar incidents in the future. In a further connection, it is expected that the upcoming visit by US President Joe Biden will put additional pressure on the transport network from Thursday and that there could be further restrictions.