Austria, Germany: Lingering rail and road transport disruptions likely between Seefeld, Tyrol, and Mittenwald, Bavaria, following mudslide late Sept. 12

Event

Lingering disruptions to rail transport are likely between Seefeld, Tyrol, and Mittenwald, Bavaria, after a mudslide occurred between Seefeld and nearby Scharnitz late Sept. 12. The mudslide reportedly flowed onto the B177 highway (Seefelder Strasse) and an adjacent train track, causing a passenger train to derail. Authorities evacuated five people from the train following the incident, and no injuries were reported. The mudslide also caused Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) officials to briefly suspend train service between Seefeld and Mittenwald; OBB has since established a replacement rail service between the two locations. The affected section of the B177 highway will reportedly remain closed to vehicular traffic overnight Sept. 12-13. Although local fire department personnel have begun to clear the mud from the area, authorities did not immediately indicate when the highway and train track would be cleared and the routes reopened.

Road traffic disruptions are also likely in the area until the crews complete the cleanup operation and vacate the scene.

Advice

Reconfirm train reservations if scheduled to travel via rail through the impacted area Sept. 12-13. If driving in the area, consider taking alternative road routes to circumvent the incident site. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.