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Berlin S‑Bahn Chief Peter Buchner Dies at 58 as DB Names Interim Leader

Tributes highlight his role in restoring Berlin’s S‑Bahn after the 2009 shutdown.

Overview

  • Deutsche Bahn confirmed that Peter Buchner died on Tuesday a few days before his 59th birthday after a long illness.
  • DB appointed production chief Karsten Preißel to serve as acting head of S‑Bahn Berlin’s management until further notice.
  • Senior figures from the rail sector and Berlin politics praised Buchner’s integrity, technical expertise and open communication with passengers and staff.
  • Key programs he championed continue under DB oversight, including the large‑scale refurbishment of Class 481 trains now in the Schöneweide works and ongoing driver‑training initiatives.
  • His final public appearance came in the summer when he presented a license to the 1000th newly trained locomotive driver from the S‑Bahn’s recruitment campaign.