| Ibbenbüren train collision | |
| Image Alt: | Photograph of the type of train involved |
| Date: | 16 May 2015 |
| Time: | 11:31 CEST (09:31 UTC) |
| Location: | Ibbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia |
| Country: | Germany |
| Line: | Löhne–Rheine railway |
| Operator: | WestfalenBahn |
| Type: | Collision with road vehicle |
| Cause: | Vehicle obstructing line |
| Trains: | 1 |
| Passengers: | 43 |
| Crew: | 2 |
| Deaths: | 2 |
| Injuries: | 41 |
On 16 May 2015, a passenger train collided with a tractor and trailer obstructing a level crossing at Ibbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Two people were killed and 41 were injured.
At 11:31 CEST (09:31 UTC), a WestfalenBahn passenger train travelling from Osnabrück was in collision with a tractor and trailer that were obstructing a level crossing at Ibbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It was reported that the tractor and trailer, which contained liquid manure, became stuck on the level crossing.[1] Extensive damage was caused to the front and side of the leading carriage of the train,[2] which was a Stadler FLIRT electric multiple unit. It came to a halt 200m (700feet) past the level crossing.[3] The train was travelling at around 100km/h when it collided with the tractor and trailer.[4]
Two people were killed and 41 were injured, six seriously. Most of the injured were treated for shock.[2] One of those killed was a passenger. The train driver was the other fatality.[2] Passengers from the train were taken to a nearby community centre.[1] Following the accident, a substitute bus service was put in place between Bielefeld and Ibbenbüren. The damaged train was removed to a depot at Rheine. The line through Ibbenbüren reopened on 17 May.[2]
The tractor driver may face charges of negligent homicide and causing actual bodily harm by negligence.[2]