MUNICH, Germany: A passenger train derailed in southwestern Germany on July 27, leaving three people dead and more than 40 injured, according to a statement by Stuttgart police.

The accident occurred between the towns of Riedlingen and Munderkingen, near the tri-border area of Germany, France, and Switzerland. At the time of the derailment, the train was carrying approximately 100 passengers and was traveling along a 90-kilometer (55-mile) regional route between Sigmaringen and Ulm.

Among the fatalities were the train driver, a rail company employee, and one passenger. At least 41 others sustained injuries, some of them serious.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed condolences to the victims' families on social media, stating, "I mourn (ed) the victims of this terrible accident and extend my deepest sympathy to their loved ones." He added that he was in close contact with the country's interior and transport ministers and had instructed them to ensure full support for emergency responders.

Photos published by the German news agency DPA showed the train's carriages largely intact but violently twisted, some toppled onto their sides and piled against each other in a jackknife formation. Fallen trees and a heavy presence of emergency personnel were visible at the scene, as firefighters and rescue workers tried to access trapped passengers.

Authorities believe the derailment was triggered by a landslide, likely caused by water overflow along the railway embankment. However, the precise cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Deutsche Bahn, Germany's national railway operator, confirmed the derailment and said it was cooperating fully with investigators. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families," the company said in a statement, noting that the number of injured was still being assessed.

The incident has prompted nationwide concern, and officials have vowed a thorough inquiry into the cause of the crash. Emergency services remain at the site, continuing recovery and support operations.