Regional train smoke forces evacuations and disrupts rail services in Grenzach

Smoke from a regional train disrupted rail services in Grenzach on Friday afternoon. The incident involved a Class 641 diesel multiple unit, commonly called the 'Whale'. It caused temporary closures and evacuations on the line. The smoke appeared around 11:30 AM from the engine compartment beneath the passenger cabin and driver’s area. All 17 passengers and two railway employees were safely evacuated. The train driver was taken to hospital as a precaution, though no injuries were reported.

The line was temporarily closed over lunchtime, and a rail replacement service was extended to Grenzach station. By the afternoon, train services had resumed normal operation. The damaged unit remains stranded on track 3, and the track stays closed.

The cause of the smoke incident is still under investigation. The affected train remains on track 3, and the track is not yet open. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the smoke. Services have returned to normal, but the damaged unit has not been moved.