Man in Germany planned knife attack on train

Police were called to an Intercity-Express train bound for Frankfurt am Main on Friday night, broadcaster WDR reported. They detained a 20-year-old man from Aachen at Siegburg station after he detonated an airsoft device on board.

During a search, officers found a mask, two knives and two smoke bombs. According to the available information, the man confirmed he had planned the attack. After the incident, passengers locked him in the train’s toilet, where he remained until police arrived.

Around 180 passengers and staff were evacuated from the train. At least 12 people suffered minor injuries in the explosion, with one person taken to hospital.

Police found no other suspicious objects on board. The suspect remains in custody and the investigation into his motive is ongoing. The incident also caused traffic disruption – the high-speed line between Frankfurt and Cologne was closed for several hours and trains were diverted.

(max)