Overview
- Unknown persons accessed a concrete shaft beside the tracks between Backnang and the Maubach district and severed multiple cables, police say.
- The cut cables caused data outages that produced false signal readings and led to disruptions in train traffic as well as internet and telephone services in Backnang.
- Deutsche Bahn noticed the problem via an error message and crews closed the line overnight to repair the damage, restoring normal service after work between midnight and 3:30 a.m.
- The state-protection unit (Fachinspektion Staatsschutz) opened a probe on suspicion of sabotage and investigators reported securing likely tool marks and searching the site for DNA traces.
- Police are asking people who used nearby field or hiking paths on Sunday or who saw vehicles or people carrying tools to contact investigators, saying witness tips could be decisive.