Embankment Fire Near Langenfeld: Düsseldorf–Cologne Line Closed Until Further Notice

A Deutsche Bahn spokesperson said in the evening: „Wir können derzeit keine Prognose abgeben, wann der Zugverkehr wieder rollen kann“. The company had previously used the wording that train services could resume „nicht vor Samstagnachmittag". „Erst wenn die Ermittlungen abgeschlossen sind, können wir uns einen Überblick über die entstandenen Schäden machen", the spokesperson added.

On the portal zuginfo.nrw, Deutsche Bahn identifies vandalism as the cause of the train cancellations and delays. The rail spokesperson said police had opened investigations in both cases and are also examining „ob hier ein Eingriff Dritter vorliegt". State security has joined the investigation, it was reported on Saturday.

Vandalism Investigation

The consequences for travelers are massive. According to the company, rail replacement bus services have been set up on the RE1, RE5, and S6 lines. Rail replacement services have also been established for the RE1 and RE5 regional trains between Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof and Köln Hauptbahnhof, as the company announced.

For long-distance services, travelers should expect delays of about 30 minutes, according to rail information. Individual ICE and IC trains that normally run on the Düsseldorf–Cologne route are being diverted over wide detours, which may further extend travel times.

Impact on Long-Distance Services

Special regulations apply to the S6 S-Bahn line: S-Bahn trains coming from Essen Hauptbahnhof terminate and originate at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof. Passengers coming from Cologne must also disembark at Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof and transfer to other connections.

The section of line between Düsseldorf and Cologne is one of the most heavily used connections in the German rail network. Tens of thousands of commuters use the connection every day, including many people commuting between the two major cities as well as travelers from the surrounding region.

On Saturday morning, the firefighting operations and subsequent damage assessment were still ongoing. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control, according to their own statements, but had to extinguish larger smoldering hotspots in the embankment over several hours. Only then were police able to inspect the line section together with rail experts.

Restrictions in Local Services

Deutsche Bahn stated that it assumes „der Zugverkehr auf dieser Strecke nicht vor Samstagnachmittag wieder rollen kann". Should the damage to tracks, overhead lines, and signaling technology turn out to be more extensive than initially assumed, a significantly longer closure is possible, according to company sources.

Police have seized the scene of the fire and secured evidence. Investigators from state security are examining whether a political motive could be behind the act. There were initially no indications of a specific suspect or group on Saturday.

Travelers were asked to check the current status of the closure and the replacement services in place on the Deutsche Bahn website and via zuginfo.nrw before starting their journey. The rail company additionally set up service points at the affected main stations to help passengers re-plan their trips.

The case is reminiscent of earlier incidents along the heavily used Rhine rail corridor, where there have been repeated fires at rail facilities in recent years that significantly impacted train services. The Federal Police and state security are monitoring the development with particular attention.

Consequences for Commuters and the Economy

Freight traffic on the line is also affected by the closure. Numerous freight trains have to be diverted via alternative routes, which can lead to delivery delays in the region. Logistics companies have been asked to adjust their dispatching accordingly.

A reduced timetable initially applies to regional and local services. The S6 S-Bahn line operates only on the Essen–Düsseldorf and Köln–Köln-Worringen sections, with the Köln-Worringen–Düsseldorf section also affected by the disruption. Passengers must transfer to rail replacement buses.

The cleanup work at the fire site and the repair of the damaged tracks are expected to take several days, according to experts' assessments. Regular train services can only resume after a full technical inspection has been completed, the rail company stated.

Police Appeal for Witnesses

State security is taking over the further investigation, as a politically motivated background cannot be ruled out. Police are asking witnesses who noticed anything suspicious in the vicinity of the fire scene to come forward.

The closure of the Düsseldorf–Cologne rail line has also affected inner-city traffic in Düsseldorf and Cologne. Taxi companies and car-sharing providers recorded significantly increased demand on Saturday morning, as many commuters switched to alternative means of transport.