- Train is delayed - passengers delayed for hours
On Thursday evening, a regional express train carrying around 150 passengers broke down on an open stretch in East Westphalia. Later, the air conditioning failed, as reported by the fire department. It took around five hours before the passengers could continue their journey to Cologne in a follow-up train. The train had departed from Minden and become stranded between Bad Oeynhausen and Löhne.
The volunteer fire department in Löhne was reportedly on the scene with around 70 personnel to assist the passengers from the defective train and provide care. A pregnant woman was taken to a hospital. Two passengers had to be treated for circulation issues but were later able to continue their journey, according to Marvin Haase from the Löhne fire department.
The fire department provided drinks and snacks
The train had been stationary for several hours when passengers, suffering from circulation issues due to the failed air conditioning, called the fire department. With the help of the emergency services, the passengers were able to leave the train and take refuge on a concrete strip by a noise barrier. They were provided with drinks and snacks until a follow-up train arrived to take them to the next station in Löhne. There, the German Red Cross looked after the passengers before the train continued on to Cologne.
The cause of the unscheduled stop, according to the Federal Police in Münster, was a technical fault with the train's pantograph.
Despite the technical issue with the pantograph causing the unscheduled stop, rail transport continued for the passengers with a follow-up train. The stranded passengers were eventually able to continue their journey towards Cologne, thanks to the assistance of the emergency services and the provision of drinks and snacks during the wait.
