One dead after ICE train collides with lorry in Hamburg

DB said the accident happened at around 2pm at a level crossing in the Hamburg-Rönneburg area on the route towards Bremen.

The spokesperson said that "one person was fatally injured" and that others were hurt.

Pictures of the aftermath showed track components and debris strewn around the site, and extensive damage to the lorry.

The fire and rescue service was on the scene with around 80 firefighters on Tuesday afternoon, while police were also deployed.

A rescue helicopter transported those injured to hospitals nearby. 

The truck, which was reportedly owned by a rail manufacturer, was likely on the tracks when the crash happened.

DB said it was "supporting the authorities in any way we can in investigating the cause and circumstances of the accident".

The ICE train was travelling from Hamburg to Munich via Bremen at the time, with at least 279 passengers on board. Police requested buses from the Hamburg Transport Association (HVV) to assist passengers. 

The line between Hamburg-Harburg and Buchholz was closed following the crash.

According to DB, long-distance train travellers should expect some disruption. 

Trains due to travel through this area are being diverted with delays of around 15 minutes. DB said in some cases "trains may be cancelled".