According to Bonn police, witnesses said the youth had climbed over the closed barrier at the train crossing and had nearly crossed the railway tracks. At the last minute, he was caught by the train and thrown under the railway gate onto the street. The train was an Intercity train on its way to Bonn Central Train Station, the conductor had no chance to brake in time to prevent the terrible tragedy.

The youth could not be saved. Police are assuming it was a tragic accident. According to a spokesman from the federal police, relatives of the boy were informed immediately and rushed to the scene of the accident.

The stretch of train track between Bonn Central Station and Mehlem was closed until Thursday evening, causing massive disruptions in rail traffic. Also affected were several regional trains that had to stop at the central station or in the opposite direction in Remagen. Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) announced that the regional train RE 5 from Wesel ended its journey already at Bonn Central Station and those trains coming from Koblenz had to end their route in Remagen. Regional trains RB 30 from Dernau also ended prematurely in Remagen.

Railway and police specialists searched the tracks until evening to secure any clues or evidence, using telescope cameras. The fire department illuminated the area with floodlights so workers could carry on in the dark.

The busy railway crossing at Kapellenweg is one of the main connections between Rüngsdorf and other districts of Bad Godesberg west of the B 9. Bonn police have taken over further investigation of the accident. (Orig. text: hbl/rik, Translation: ck)