A tragic train accident in Hamburg has claimed the life of Thomas Großbölting, a prominent historian and director of the Research Center for Contemporary History.

The incident occurred when an ICE train collided with a truck stuck on a railway crossing.

Großbölting, 55, succumbed to his injuries despite rescue efforts.

Twenty-five others were injured, with six sustaining moderate injuries.

The truck driver, who escaped unhurt, is under investigation for negligent homicide but has been released due to insufficient evidence.

The crash caused significant damage to the train and railway infrastructure, disrupting services.

Tributes have poured in for Großbölting, remembered as a leading academic and inspiring figure in his field.