Busy train derails in Saarland, hitting large rock

A train carrying at least 100 people derailed on Tuesday after striking fallen rocks and debris that were on the lines.  Germany’s federal police said there were no reports of injuries among the passengers. Travelers had been "lucky in misfortune," in that the train had been pushed to the left, towards the center of the track, rather than to the right off an embankment.

The train was operated by the private company vlexx and derailed near Namborn in the state of Saarland. Rescue workers evacuated the stricken train and the passengers were able to continue their journey on a replacement service on the other line. "The investigative force of the Saarbrücken branch of the federal police has started investigations into the exact circumstances leading to the accident," police said in a statement.