A violent incident aboard a high-speed ICE train traveling from Aachen to Frankfurt am Main left several passengers injured after a 20-year-old man explosive devices and reportedly made threats. According to police statements released on Friday, at least twelve passengers sustained minor injuries. One individual suffered a suspected acoustic trauma, was taken to a hospital for treatment, and was later discharged after a short stay.
The incident occurred on Thursday while approximately 180 passengers were on board the train. The suspect, a 20-year-old, armed with knives, is alleged to have triggered explosions on the train on Thursday causing panic among passengers. Initially, investigators suspected fireworks. They have since stated that, based on current information, the ignited objects were explosive devices. Media reports citing witness accounts stated that the devices may have contained plastic pellets, which contributed to the injuries.
Passengers acted quickly to prevent further harm. They managed to restrain the suspect and locked him inside a train restroom until authorities arrived. This intervention helped contain the situation and avoid further escalation during the journey.
The train was brought to a stop at Siegburg/Bonn station, where officers from the federal police arrested the suspect. Following the arrest, the train was evacuated and parts of the station area were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
Police conducted a thorough search of the train for additional dangerous items but did not find anything further. During a search of the suspect, officers discovered a mask, two knives, and two commercially available smoke devices.
According to investigators, the 20-year-old suspect remains in police custody. This also means that no arrest warrant has yet been issued for him. The man’s motives are still being investigated, officials said. The investigation is proceeding on suspicion of aggravated assault and violations of the Explosives and Weapons Act. According to media reports, the man threatened to carry out an attack. According to “Bild,” he said he wanted to kill people.
The evaluation of evidence secured at the scene, the examination of the exact sequence of events, and the analysis of the explosive devices are ongoing.
The suspected perpetrator was locked in a train restroom by other passengers. Federal police officers arrested the young man at the Siegburg/Bonn train station. The train, carrying about 180 passengers, was evacuated, and part of the station grounds was cordoned off as a precaution. Federal police searched the ICE for dangerous items but found nothing. During a search of the man, officers found, among other things, a mask and two knives.
The injured passengers were treated by the Siegburg Fire Department in a nearby gymnasium, according to police. Emergency counselors were on hand to provide support. Deutsche Bahn’s emergency management team arranged a rail replacement service to continue the journey.
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