Regional train hits car, seriously injuring 80-year-old driver

A regional train struck a car at a level crossing in Deisenhofen on Thursday, seriously injuring the 80-year-old driver, BR reported. The train driver suffered minor injuries, while about 140 passengers were unharmed.

Police said the driver, who is from Munich district, was crossing the tracks at about 12:20 p.m. when the barriers came down. The car was then hit by a Bayerische Regionalbahn train travelling towards Lenggries.

The driver suffered serious knee injuries and was taken to hospital. The car was written off, and the train’s power car was badly damaged and had to be recovered. The barriers have not worked since the crash. Police estimate the total damage at between 200,000 and 300,000 euros.

Passengers were evacuated and continued their journey by bus. The tracks reopened shortly before 4 p.m.

Police have not yet determined why the barriers came down. A similar incident was reportedly reported a few hours earlier, when barriers closed while a car was on the crossing. Police said rail traffic was not at risk in that incident. They are asking witnesses with information about either event to come forward.

More than 1,600 of Bavaria’s nearly 2,900 level crossings are not protected by barriers, BR reported. Their safety systems can include a crossbuck, flashing lights or barriers, depending in part on road traffic volume and train speeds.