February 26, 2026
A passenger punched a conductor on a long-distance InterCity Express (ICE) train bound for Berlin, public broadcaster ARD reported. A 35-year-old woman presented an invalid ticket during a routine check and, when asked to leave the train, attacked the conductor, who reported abdominal pain and ended his shift early. The incident forced about 100 passengers to disembark and wait for a replacement service.
Criminal proceedings have been opened against the woman on suspicion of fraud, trespassing, assault and property damage. The attack follows the death of another conductor in Rhineland-Palatinate after a ticket-inspection assault, renewing debate over security on German trains. Deutsche Bahn statistics show an average of five staff members are physically assaulted each day, with four more receiving threats.
