A high-speed magnetic 'Mag-Lev' train went off a test track in northwestern Germany on 22 September, killing 23 people. The demonstration train travelling at around half its maximum speed struck a maintenance vehicle on the track.

The accident is a major blow to hopes for the magnetic-levitation technology, which can carry people at speeds of up to 270 miles per hour.

The Transrapid magnetic train came off the tracks in the town of Lathen, reports received said "The magnetic levitation train is hanging halfway off the track". It is understood that 25 people were on the driverless train when the accident happened.