No free travel yet, but some relaxation for commuters: Four days after the freight train accident near Kerpen, regional trains are running again on the route between Cologne and Aachen.
This emerges from the train app on Tuesday morning (November 26, 2024). Zuginfo.nrw also states that the RE 1 (RRX) trains are running again, albeit via the S-Bahn track along the entire route between Aachen Hbf and Hamm (Westphalia) Hbf.
Train derailed on the railway line between Cologne and Aachen
The RE 9 trains also run over the S-Bahn tracks and then travel again to Aachen main station.
The S-Bahn (S 12/S 19), however, does not run its entire route but, according to a railway spokeswoman, turns around in Horrem. Long-distance trains are also not allowed to pass the scene of the accident – so capacity on the busy route is still severely limited.
On the night of Friday (November 22nd), a freight train collided with a construction train on the track section near Kerpen. Both the locomotive and several wagons of the freight train derailed.
The vehicles then had to be laboriously removed from the route. Three people were injured, including the driver of the freight train.
The accident caused train cancellations and delays as the affected Cologne-Aachen route had to be closed. The route is also relevant for international long-distance traffic.
**How will the implementation of alternative routes impact the scheduling and efficiency of regional train services in the long term, and are there any plans to adjust infrastructure to permanently accommodate increased traffic on these routes?**
## World Today News Interview: Back on Track? Train Service Resumption After Kerpen Derailment
**Introduction:**
Welcome back to World Today News. Following the significant freight train derailment near Kerpen, which disrupted rail traffic between Cologne and Aachen, we’re joined today by two experts to discuss the latest developments and the longer-term implications of this incident.
Let’s start by introducing our guests. We have [Guest 1 Name], a transportation specialist with [Guest 1 Affiliation], and [Guest 2 Name], a rail safety and infrastructure expert from [Guest 2 Affiliation].
**Section 1: Resumption of Service & Alternative Routes**
* **Moderator:** The article reports that regional trains are running again, albeit via alternative routes. Can you give us a detailed overview of the current situation and how it compares to pre-accident service levels?
* **Moderator:** For commuters relying on the affected route, what do these alternative routes mean in terms of travel time and convenience?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
**Section 2: Impact on Long-Distance Traffic & International Connections**
* **Moderator:** The article mentions the significant impact on international long-distance traffic. Could you expand on that? Which specific routes are affected, and what are the alternative options for passengers?
* **Moderator:** This incident highlights the vulnerability of vital rail lines. What measures can be taken to mitigate the impact of future disruptions on long-distance and international connections?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
**Section 3: Investigation and Safety Measures**
* **Moderator:** What are the next steps in the investigation of the derailment? What are some of the key factors investigators will be looking at to determine the cause?
* **Moderator:** This accident raises questions about existing safety protocols and infrastructure. What lessons can be learned from this incident, and what specific safety improvements might be necessary?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
**Section 4: Future Outlook and Economic Implications**
* **Moderator:** Looking ahead, what is the expected timeline for a full restoration of rail services on the Cologne-Aachen route?
* **Moderator:** What are the potential economic repercussions of this disruption, both regionally and nationally?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
**Conclusion:**
Thank you both for your insights. This derailment has undoubtedly caused major disruption and raised important questions about rail safety and infrastructure. As the investigation continues and service gradually returns to normal, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and keep our viewers informed.
