Disruptions to rail service impacted commuters in Hamburg on Thursday evening, stemming from both a fire department response in Altona and a protest-related track blockage at the central train station.
City Tunnel Disruption
A fire department operation began after reports of smoke in an S-Bahn tunnel near the Altona station shortly after 5:00 PM. Forty-two firefighters and multiple units were dispatched between the Altona and Königstraße stops, according to a fire department spokesperson. The Bundespolizei also responded, evacuating the tunnel area as a precaution.
S-Bahn service via the Jungfernstieg was suspended, with all lines rerouted through Dammtor, causing delays and crowded trains. After approximately an hour and a half, the fire department determined the source of the smoke to be a piece of charred paper near an electrical conductor and gave the all-clear. A railway emergency manager authorized the resumption of S-Bahn service, and no injuries were reported.
Hauptbahnhof Blockade
Separately, rail traffic at the Hauptbahnhof was also disrupted by a protest. Several individuals blocked tracks 6 and 7 in connection with a pro-Kurdish demonstration. The Bundespolizei removed the protestors, but train service was halted until 6:45 PM, impacting both regional and long-distance trains.
Approximately 400 people demonstrated outside the Hauptbahnhof, and around 2,000 people participated in a similar demonstration in Hamburg on Wednesday. A separate demonstration of around 1,100 people took place in Kiel on Thursday afternoon, both focused on the protection of Kurds in Syria and Northern Iraq. Police reported that all demonstrations proceeded without incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the disruption to S-Bahn service?
Smoke in an S-Bahn tunnel near Altona station prompted a fire department response, leading to the suspension of service via the Jungfernstieg and rerouting of trains through Dammtor.
What caused the disruption at the Hauptbahnhof?
A protest involving individuals blocking tracks 6 and 7 caused a blockade at the Hauptbahnhof, halting train service until 6:45 PM.
Were there any injuries reported?
According to initial reports, there were no injuries related to either the fire department response or the track blockage.
As service returns to normal, commuters may continue to experience residual delays. It remains to be seen whether further demonstrations will impact transportation networks in the coming days.
