Fatal accident in Bremen: 19-year-old dies at the railway crossing

Fatal accident in Bremen: 19-year-old dies at the railway crossing

A tragic accident occurred in Bremen-Burglesum today in which a 19-year-old driver lost his life. The collision between his car and a passenger train took place at around 7:20 a.m. on Grambker Dorfstrasse. The young man died at the scene of the accident, while the approximately 150 passengers on the train fortunately remained uninjured. The Bremen fire brigade and police were quickly on the scene to deal with the situation and evacuate the passengers.

The cause of the accident is currently unclear. The police have started an investigation, particularly into the functionality of the demand-controlled barrier at the time of the incident. In this critical situation, the investigators are asking for witness statements; Information can be reported by calling 0421 362-14850. Several eyewitnesses to the accident suffered shock and were cared for by pastors.

Railroad crossings: A recurring problem

Unfortunately, accidents at railway crossings are not uncommon in Germany. From 2025, however, all vehicles will have to stop at level crossings, regardless of whether a train is in sight or not. This new set of rules is intended to contribute to greater safety and further reduce the number of serious accidents. The fines for violations are severe: ignoring a red light can cost 700 euros, while crossing without permission when the barriers are closed costs up to 1,000 euros.

To stay safe, drivers and pedestrians should follow simple rules of conduct: stop at a red signal, look in both directions and only cross when there is a clear view. A common problem is distraction, such as cell phones, which should be absolutely avoided when crossing. Safety is the top priority here and mandatory training measures and educational campaigns are intended to help raise awareness.

Statistics and security aspects

As a study by TÜV NORD shows, every third accident from a railway perspective occurs at a level crossing, whereas in road traffic this is less than every hundredth accident. Unfortunately, 98% of fatal accidents occur at level crossings. Stefan Pöting, Head of Railway Technology at TÜV NORD, emphasizes the importance of emphasizing the need for attention in these safety-sensitive areas.

The dangers are often underestimated. At a speed of 160 km/h, a local train needs around 700 meters to come to a stop - a negligible risk that should not be underestimated. Especially in rural areas, where trains are often quieter, the danger of driving over a level crossing can be very serious.

This tragedy in Bremen reminds us of the dangers that lurk at railway crossings. Safety education and training are more important than ever to not only reduce these types of accidents, but also to save lives.