Four people were injured after a man launched a hammer attack on a high-speed train in southern Germany on Thursday. The ICE 91 service was travelling from Hamburg to Vienna and carrying around 500 passengers when the attack occurred near Straßkirchen, close to the Austrian border.Bavarian police confirmed the incident took place at 1.55pm local time. The suspect, a 20-year-old Syrian man, was reportedly overpowered by passengers before being arrested by police. He was also injured in the confrontation and is currently receiving medical treatment while in custody.The motive for the attack remains unclear, though police initially believed an axe had been used, later clarifying that a hammer was the main weapon, possibly along with others yet to be identified. Emergency services, including two helicopters and psychological support teams, were dispatched to the scene. The railway line was closed, and a special care centre was set up nearby to assist affected passengers.Germany’s rail operator Deutsche Bahn thanked first responders and expressed sympathy for the injured, saying: “Our thoughts and sympathy are with the injured and all those who now have to come to terms with what they have experienced.”
What we know so far
- The attack occurred shortly before the train reached Straßkirchen, Bavaria, while en route to Vienna.
- The suspect, a 20-year-old Syrian national, was subdued by passengers and then detained by police.
- Four people were injured: a 15-year-old boy and two men aged 24 and 51 – all Syrian – and a 38-year-old whose nationality is yet to be confirmed.
- All victims were hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Police initially believed an axe was used, but later said a hammer was the likely weapon; other items may also have been involved.
- The train was carrying approximately 500 passengers when the attack occurred.
- Around 150 emergency personnel, including firefighters, medics, and police officers, responded to the scene.
- Passengers pulled the emergency brake, stopping the train near the village of Straßkirchen.
- A care centre and trauma support were provided for affected passengers.
- Recent months have seen a rise in public attacks in Germany, including stabbings and vehicle-ramming incidents.
