Rising Violence Against Train Personnel in Germany Sparks Safety Concerns

Violence on German trains has escalated sharply in early 2026, with recent attacks against train personnel stirring concern and fear among railway employees. The most tragic incident occurred last Monday in Rheinland-Pfalz when a conductor was fatally assaulted by a ticketless passenger, who has since been arrested and remains in custody. This shocking act has intensified scrutiny on safety measures for train staff.

Just days later, on Wednesday in Nordrhein-Westfalen, two Ukrainian men aged 26 and 38 violently attacked railway workers aboard the Volmetalbahn. The altercation began at Brügge station when the 38-year-old passenger could not present a ticket and behaved aggressively, leading to his companion spitting in the conductor's face. The conductor called for help from the driver, resulting in a physical fight that caused minor injuries to both employees and damage to personal belongings. Police responded quickly, issuing dispersal orders to passengers and investigating the event with video evidence.

Other recent violent incidents include an attack on a 49-year-old railway employee in Hamburg by a 43-year-old man, underscoring this growing trend of aggression toward train personnel.

The overall mood within Deutsche Bahn reflects deep unease and mourning, notably following the death of train attendant Serkan C. Many employees feel vulnerable, with some expressing a reluctance to perform ticket checks for fear of further attacks. This is supported by a 2024 survey by the railway and transport union EVG, which found that 82 percent of railway workers have endured verbal or physical attacks during their careers.

These disturbing incidents highlight a perilous work environment for train personnel and have ignited calls for enhanced security protocols to protect staff and ensure their safe return home after shifts. Law enforcement continues to investigate the recent assaults while authorities and unions push for stronger measures to combat this growing threat.