February 26, 2026
A passenger assaulted a conductor aboard a long-distance InterCity Express (ICE) train en route to Berlin, public broadcaster ARD reported. During a routine ticket check a 35-year-old woman presented what was deemed an invalid ticket and, when asked to leave the train, struck the conductor. The conductor reported abdominal pain and was released from duty early after the incident.
The train was taken out of service and about 100 passengers were required to disembark and wait for a replacement service. Authorities have opened criminal proceedings against the woman on suspicion of fraud, trespass, assault and property damage.
The attack comes shortly after the death of another conductor in Rhineland-Palatinate following an assault during a ticket inspection, a case that has reignited discussions about security on German trains. Deutsche Bahn statistics indicate that, on average, five staff members suffer physical assaults each day and about four more receive threats.