Train disaster: IC train gets stuck – 200 passengers in the dark!

Train disaster: IC train gets stuck – 200 passengers in the dark!

Yesterday an incident on the railway line between Dresden and Hanover caused a stir. The IC 2446 was on the open road and stopped near Helmstedt (Lower Saxony) around 8:30 p.m. The express train, which left Dresden at 5:09 p.m., was actually supposed to arrive in Hanover at 9:22 p.m. Around 200 passengers were in the unfortunate position of having to wait three hours in the dark because the power went out on the train during the disruption. According to the railway, a technical defect was the reason for the train's unexpected stop and initial attempts to resolve the problem were unsuccessful until a replacement train and buses were finally ready at 11:40 p.m. to take passengers to their destination. Deutsche Bahn apologized for the inconvenience and thanked passengers for their patience, reported Picture.

But what does this mean for affected travelers? If you are affected by a train cancellation or delay, you not only have the right to an apology, but you are also entitled to compensation. Even though Deutsche Bahn pointed out the technical breakdown this time, many travelers are unsure what to do in such cases. Loud ADAC There are clear regulations that help rail customers assert their claims. Compensation is provided for admitted delays of more than 60 minutes. If you are delayed between 60 and 119 minutes, you will receive 25% of the fare back, and from 120 minutes even 50% back.

What should travelers know?

It is important that travelers obtain confirmation of delays or cancellations at the station or on the train. You should also contact the train company from which you purchased your ticket immediately. If the incident lasted longer than 60 minutes, the railway must also provide food and drinks. However, in the event of exceptional circumstances, such as extreme weather or disruptions by third parties, certain compensation may be excluded, such as bahn.de clarifies.

For many travelers, it is important to know the details on how to process compensation claims immediately. These are ideally submitted in writing, either using a form that can be sent directly to DB Dialog GmbH in Frankfurt am Main, or you hand the documents in at a DB Travel Center. Anyone who had to cancel their trip due to the delay also has the option of returning their ticket to the DB Travel Center.

An aspect that should not be underestimated is the deadline for submitting complaints. This is three months after the incident. If the railway company does not respond, there is the option of contacting an arbitration board. A complaint can also be submitted to the Federal Railway Authority if you have the feeling that your own concerns are not being sufficiently taken into account.