In 1998, the Intercity Express (ICE) 884 Wilhelm Conrad Renkin derailed near Escheda, Northern Germany, resulting in the worst rail disaster in the country's history. A tiny fatigue crack in the outer rim of a bogey initiated the catastrophe, causing the train to derail, collapse a road bridge, and claim the lives of 101 individuals while injuring 100 others. The incident led to significant changes in German train safety and emergency response procedures, shaping the nation's approach to preventing similar accidents in the future.