A tragic accident occurred on the afternoon of March 11, 2025, when a tank truck collided with a Stadtbahn tram at an unguarded rail crossing near Zeutern, north of Karlsruhe, resulting in three fatalities and several injuries. The collision sparked significant flames and created chaos at the scene.
According to local police reports, the incident took place around 14:15 on Landesstraße 552, shortly before the entrance to Zeutern. Both the tank truck, which was carrying heating oil, and the Stadtbahn caught fire immediately after the impact. The flames raged uncontrollably until the local fire department was able to bring them under control by approximately 15:40.
Among the dead is the Stadtbahn's driver, identified as a 59-year-old woman. Initially, she was among the missing persons, adding to the distress of the accident before authorities confirmed her identity later the same evening. The other two victims were also passengers on the tram, with their identities still being finalized due to the severe conditions of the injuries sustained.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, with over 60 firefighters deployed to manage the fire and treat the injured. The driver of the tank truck, aged 49, was airlifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries, though his condition was later reported as stable.
At the time of the accident, at least ten passengers were aboard the Stadtbahn. Thankfully, all were treated for minor injuries at the scene and did not require hospitalization. Initially, there were reports of only seven people on the tram. These were quickly updated to reflect the accurate number of passengers present.
A police spokesperson confirmed the urgent and large-scale response involved various rescuers and units, including police helicopters providing aerial support for situational awareness.
After the crash, the local authorities closed Landesstraße 552 to conduct thorough investigations and recovery operations. The Albtal-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (AVG) announced the suspension of tram lines S31 and S32 for several days between Zeutern and Odenheim to facilitate the investigative and recovery process. During this time, alternative transportation arrangements, including bus services, were put in place for affected commuters.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Authorities are exploring whether signals at the crossing were malfunctioning or overlooked. The scene has been secured by forensic technicians who are gathering evidence to clarify the series of events leading to the accident, and expert evaluations are planned to aid the investigation.
The small community of Ubstadt-Weiher, which is home to around 13,400 residents, is grappling with the shock of this tragic event, as it has stirred deep concern about transportation safety. Local officials have urged residents to stay informed on traffic updates and to exercise caution around the area as recovery operations continue.
Witnesses described the horrifying sight as flames engulfed both vehicles, delivering shockwaves throughout the community. The visuals of the aftermath have sparked emotional responses from local officials, who are calling for reviews of safety measures at rail crossings.
This devastating incident has heightened discussions about rail safety protocols and the measures necessary to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Community leaders plan to meet to assess the safety infrastructure at local crossings and to advocate for improvements where needed.
Further updates will follow as investigations progress and as more information is made available about the victims and the cause of this horrific collision.