An object deliberately placed in the track bed in the Bavarian town of Treuchtlingen triggered a suspected explosives alert and caused hours of disruption to rail services. Even after examinations ruled out the presence of explosives, the line remained closed, the Central Franconia Police Headquarters announced. The reason for the continued closure, according to police, is that the incident is believed to have been an intentional act. Criminal investigators are securing evidence.
The object, which has not been described in detail, was found early on Thursday morning in the track bed in the area of Treuchtlingen railway station. Specialists from the Federal Police then examined it using an X-ray device and a robot, until the suspicion of explosives could finally be dispelled. As a precaution, several neighbouring houses were also evacuated during this phase. Residents were urged to give the area a wide berth. Road traffic was also affected. Police were deployed in large numbers.
The specialist officers took X-ray images of the object. Because these did not initially rule out the presence of explosives, the object was lifted with a robot for further examination. The explosives alert was ultimately lifted, but police are now searching for those responsible for leaving the object behind. Who may be behind the act remains unclear. Treuchtlingen is located in the Middle Franconian district of Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen and has a population of around 13,000.
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