What we have at the moment is a terrible error in this particular situation," he said.
Repair work to track damaged by the crash, between Holzkirchen and Rosenheim, is continuing, with the damaged section said to be up to 120 metres long.
One of the damaged train carriages, still next to the tracks, will be removed on Wednesday. Operator Deutsche Bahn said it was hoped the track would be usable by Thursday.