ICE in Cologne: High-voltage line collapses – travelers affected!

ICE in Cologne: High-voltage line collapses – travelers affected!

On Friday evening, August 15, 2025, a dramatic incident occurred on the railway line between Cologne Messe/Deutz and Cologne-Mülheim. At 5:27 p.m., a high-voltage line fell onto an ICE train for unknown reasons, causing significant disruption to rail traffic. This is reported by the Cologne City Gazette.

The railway line was immediately closed while the overhead line needs to be repaired. Around 600 travelers were affected at this time and had to leave the ICE. Fortunately, according to initial findings, there were no injuries reported. In order to get the travelers to safety as quickly as possible, Deutsche Bahn used buses to take them away from the scene of the accident.

Delays and partial cancellations of regional connections

Travelers had to adapt to a number of delays and partial cancellations. Regional connections are particularly affected, including:

• RE1 (RRX): Aachen–Köln–Düsseldorf–Duisburg–Essen–Dortmund–Hamm
• RE5 (RRX): Koblenz–Bonn–Köln–Düsseldorf–Duisburg–Oberhausen–Wesel
• RE7: Rheine–Münster–Hamm–Hagen–Wuppertal–Köln–Neuss–Krefeld
• RB48: Wuppertal-Oberbarmen–Solingen–Köln–Bonn–Bonn-Mehlem
• S11: Bergisch-Gladbach–Köln–Neuss–Düsseldorf–Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal

There are currently no concrete concepts for the regional lines and short-term individual measures are being taken to contain the disruption. Travelers are urged to pay attention to the information on site and to check their train route in the online travel information.

What does this mean for travelers?

At a time when efficient mobility is of great importance, this incident is causing great uncertainty among travelers. Anyone who relies on reliable transportation to get to their appointment or simply get home stress-free is now faced with unforeseen delays. The railway company recommends remaining flexible and planning in good time.

In addition, these incidents are a clear reminder of how important safety precautions are in rail transport. Despite the fortunate circumstances that no one was injured, such incidents must be avoided to ensure smooth transportation.

In conclusion, it remains to be said that those affected now have to remain calm and rely on the current information from the railway company while the technicians take care of the repairs to the overhead line. It is all the more important to prepare for your next train journey - regardless of whether you need quick service or perhaps rely on the help of a professional moving or disposal company to clean up at home. Planning and the right hand could be crucial here!