Repair completed on Munich-Berlin ICE track damage - Repairs completed on the Munich-Berlin ICE route
A fire that erupted in an underpass near Hirschaid, between Bamberg and Forchheim, has severely disrupted the Berlin-Munich ICE rail route. The blaze, suspected to be an act of arson, caused significant damage to the underpass structure, leaving the tracks unsafe for trains.
The incident led to a complete closure of the stretch of rails above the underpass, affecting ICE trains between Berlin and Munich, as well as regional and IC services on the Nürnberg-Bamberg route. Deutsche Bahn responded by implementing replacement bus services between Forchheim and Bamberg, although some stations were bypassed due to roadworks.
Long-distance trains were rerouted, adding approximately 90 minutes to travel times and causing cancellations of certain IC services between Leipzig and Nuremberg, and between Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe and Gera. High-speed trains between Nuremberg and Erfurt were also rerouted, resulting in delays of up to one hour and 40 minutes.
The Bamberger Kriminalpolizei is actively investigating the circumstances of the fire, treating it as a suspected arson incident based on witness reports and the nature of materials burned. No details about passengers switching to buses and large taxis due to the incident were provided.
Repairs proceeded rapidly, with temporary bridges installed in Hirschaid allowing the track between Bamberg and Nürnberg to reopen by the evening of Sunday, July 13, 2025. Deutsche Bahn announced that ICE services between Munich and Berlin would resume with an approximately hourly frequency starting Monday morning, though some minor delays might persist.
Initially, there were no indications that the fire was set with the intention of disrupting traffic. However, the presence of wooden planks and pallets in the underpass has led to speculation that the fire may have been caused by negligence.
In summary, the Bamberg underpass fire caused severe disruption to the Munich-Berlin ICE route due to suspected arson, prompting extensive rail closures, train rerouting, and cancellations until swift repair efforts restored service after about a week. The police are currently investigating the case.
The community is urged to pay attention to their employment policy regarding arson investigations, as the Bamberger Kriminalpolizei is investigating the Bamberg underpass fire as a suspected arson incident. Industry professionals in the finance sector should take into account the potential impact of such incidents on public-transit systems, such as the disruption to the Berlin-Munich ICE rail route caused by the fire. The automotive industry may also be affected, as the incident highlights the importance of proper waste management and disposal, considering the burning of wooden planks and pallets in the underpass. Deutsche Bahn's employment policy in handling emergencies and delayed services should be evaluated, as the company rerouted trains and implemented replacement bus services during the rail closure.
