Bielefeld/Herford. On Wednesday morning, April 23, 2025, at approximately 6:40 AM, the train line connecting Herford and Bielefeld Hauptbahnhof was abruptly closed due to a police operation. The closure was initiated following the discovery of a body in Bielefeld-Brake, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities.
According to police reports, a 92-year-old senior citizen was found dead on the high-speed rail line between Bielefeld and Herford. Federal Police spokesman Markus Heuer indicated that all evidence points toward a fatal train accident. However, he also noted that there is currently no evidence suggesting third-party negligence in this tragic incident.
The police operation lasted several hours, concluding around 9:40 AM when the track was reopened. Despite the reopening, train traffic remained significantly restricted, with passengers facing numerous cancellations and delays throughout the morning.
"Passengers should be aware that even after the track's reopening, train services are still heavily affected," a spokesperson for the Bielefeld police stated. The impact on local and regional transport was substantial, with many passengers needing to adjust their travel plans.
In response to the disruption, replacement bus services were quickly established between Bielefeld and Herford. However, these services are expected to be discontinued shortly as the situation stabilizes. Several regional train services were affected, including the RE 6 (RRX) from Köln/Bonn Flughafen to Minden, the RE 70 from Bielefeld to Hannover, the RE 78 to Nienburg, the RB 61 connecting Hengelo to Bielefeld, and the RB 71 to Rahden.
Long-distance train services also experienced significant disruptions. Many of these trains were rerouted, bypassing stops in Bielefeld, Herford, and Gütersloh. Passengers traveling from Lippe, particularly those needing to transfer in Herford or Bielefeld, encountered additional delays, especially on routes heading towards the Ruhr area.
The situation was compounded by ongoing construction work on the railways, which had already been causing interruptions. The combined effects of the police operation and existing construction led to a frustrating experience for many travelers.
As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death continues, authorities are working diligently to provide updates and ensure passenger safety moving forward. While the immediate threat has been resolved with the reopening of the track, the implications for train services in the region remain significant.
Passengers are encouraged to check for real-time updates on train schedules and service availability as the situation evolves. The local transport authority is working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible, but travelers should remain prepared for potential delays and changes to their plans.
In summary, the events of April 23, 2025, have highlighted the challenges faced by the rail system in the region, particularly in light of unforeseen incidents such as this tragic accident. The community's thoughts are with the family of the deceased as investigations continue.
