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Emergency braking causes chaos: 200 passengers trapped in Harbke!
On October 26th, 2025, a train broke down near Harbke in the Börde district due to technical defects. 200 passengers were evacuated.
Emergency braking causes chaos: 200 passengers trapped in Harbke!
Last Saturday evening, October 25, 2025, there was a remarkable incident on a train route in Saxony-Anhalt. Around 200 passengers were affected on the train from Dresden to Hanover when the train came to a standstill near Harbke due to an emergency braking. The exact reasons for the braking have not yet been clearly clarified, but it soon became clear that there was a technical defect that made it impossible to continue driving. In addition, the power went out, which further complicated the situation, reports MDR.
After more than three hours of uncertainty, a replacement train finally arrived, accompanied by several buses, to enable the waiting passengers to continue their journey. The local fire brigade was also active in this operation, helping wheelchair users in particular to get off the train safely. Early on Sunday morning, the empty train was finally able to continue on its own to Helmstedt.
Technical problems on the railway: More than an isolated case
This situation reflects a larger problem that is currently affecting Deutsche Bahn. An ICE with almost 300 passengers also broke down between Würzburg and Fulda on the same day due to a technical defect; the air conditioning was probably affected. Those affected had to change to another train and the evacuation lasted several hours. Deutsche Bahn apologized for the inconvenience and apologized for the delays caused Daily Mirror reported.
In the event of technical problems, travelers are entitled to a certain level of protection. In the event of delays or train cancellations, rail customers have the right to compensation, for example through free meals or hotel accommodation. In the event of delays of more than 60 minutes, the railway also provides options for onward travel, as explained in the ADAC guide. In the event of an incident, affected passengers should make their claims in writing in order to receive the best possible compensation. ADAC also provides step-by-step instructions on how travelers should proceed in such cases.
These incidents make it clear that reliable travel information and quick offers of help are now essential to reduce travel stress. Whether in the event of technical difficulties or unforeseen events, the ability to act quickly is becoming increasingly important.