A storm has led to problems on northern Germany’s railway network on Wednesday 27 November. Reportedly, rail infrastructure in the entire region is congested following an accident involving a fallen tree and cut overhead lines. There is only limited access to Germany’s most important seaports.
Lightning has struck overhead lines and damaged signalling systems in the area of Uelzen, shutting down a rail line in the area. The storm likely also caused trees to fall onto the tracks, and an unfortunate passenger train collided with one of them in the Hannover area, leading to yet another blocked line.
“The tree was lying on the tracks on the Uelzen – Hannover route and the train collided with it. We do not yet know whether the storm was the reason for the tree falling down. This is currently being investigated”, a representative of a local passenger operator told German media.
Completely congested
The incidents are having a far-reaching impact on north German rail freight traffic. “Due to the ongoing closures on the corridor to and from the Port of Hamburg in Germany, there is basically no free detour route available at the moment. All lines in northern Germany are currently completely congested”, rail operator Metrans explains.
“Since the accident occurred in the central area of Hannover, not only domestic and international trains from and to the Port of Hamburg, but also from and to the Port of Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven as well as domestic east-western connections are restricted.”