Germany's rail system, operated primarily by Deutsche Bahn, has seen a sharp rise in violent incidents targeting staff and passengers. In 2025 alone, over 3,000 attacks on DB employees were recorded, averaging eight per day. This alarming trend has culminated in fatalities, prompting urgent safety reforms.

Rising Attack Statistics

Physical assaults on rail workers surged in recent years, with 2025 marking a record high of more than 3,000 incidents against Deutsche Bahn staff. From January to October 2025, there were 1,231 cases of bodily harm and 1,148 threats daily on average, affecting five employees per day. Regional trains bore the brunt, comprising half of all attacks, alongside one-third targeting security personnel and others hitting cleaners or service staff.

Notable Fatal Incident

The violence peaked with the death of 36-year-old Zugbegleiter Serkan C. on February 4, 2026, after a brutal assault during a ticket check near Landstuhl, Germany. A 26-year-old passenger punched him repeatedly in the head when asked to leave for fare evasion, leading to his collapse and death two days later despite resuscitation. This tragedy, witnessed by his sons, underscored the lethal risks faced by rail workers.

Contributing Factors

Attacks often occur during ticket inspections, house rule enforcement, or around events like festivals, large gatherings, and soccer matches. Alcohol consumption, overcrowded or delayed trains, and Fridays or Saturdays heighten risks, as perpetrators can flee at the next stop. Earlier reports linked some incidents to asylum seekers in regions like Thuringia, with verbal abuse escalating to knife attacks.

Government and DB Responses

A high-level security summit in February 2026, involving federal and state officials, Deutsche Bahn, and police, announced key measures including bodycams for all customer-facing staff by 2026. Additional plans encompass hiring 200 more security personnel for stations, improved emergency buttons, de-escalation training, and enhanced protective gear. DB CEO Evelyn Palla emphasized a "zero-tolerance" policy shifting from reaction to prevention. Unions like EVG have long demanded more security, criticizing quick releases of offenders.