Terrible train accident in Bremen: barrier opened, 19-year-old dead!

Terrible train accident in Bremen: barrier opened, 19-year-old dead!

A tragic incident occurred at a railway crossing in Bremen at the end of August. A 19-year-old man was killed in a collision with a regional train. The public prosecutor's investigation shows that the barrier was open at the time of the accident, which makes the circumstances of the accident even more mysterious. The reason for the barrier being opened is still unclear, which is why a railway employee is now being investigated on suspicion of negligent homicide. Loud NDR It was a demand-controlled level crossing, for which a gatekeeper is responsible, who had to be given medical attention due to shock after the incident.

The accident left a deep hole in the hearts of those present when the driver collided with the train and was dragged several meters. Fortunately, the train's approximately 150 passengers were uninjured, but the seriousness of the incident is undeniable. The railway crossing where this accident occurred is an example of the safety challenges that exist at these locations.

Railroad crossings and their dangers

Level crossings bring with them an increased risk. Loud TÜV Nord 98% of all fatal train accidents occur at such crossings. In Germany, 154 accidents occurred at these critical points in 2023, a year with the lowest number of level crossings in the history of Deutsche Bahn. Since the 1990s, the number of accidents has fallen by almost three-quarters, reflecting important safety efforts. Nevertheless, a study shows that more than 95% of accidents at level crossings are due to inattention, carelessness or ignorance.

Deutsche Bahn is working with the federal government and road owners to increase safety at level crossings. In particular, technical safeguards such as barriers and warning lights are intended to improve safety. It is important that road users are well informed about the risks. Stefan Pöting, head of railway technology at TÜV Nord, emphasizes that a heavy truck has no chance against a speeding train and that the long braking distances of trains are often underestimated. A local train traveling at 160 km/h needs around 700 meters to come to a stop.

Education and awareness raising

In order to improve safety at level crossings, Deutsche Bahn is carrying out the “safe over it” joint campaign. With videos, flyers and collaborations with driving school publishers, it aims to raise awareness of the importance of safety measures. Pöting also warns of the frustration among drivers, which often arises from long waiting times at closed barriers. Increased risk awareness is necessary because it is better to arrive at your destination too late than not at all.

This tragic accident in Bremen is a stark reminder for all road users to take the dangers at level crossings seriously. The investigation is ongoing and a comprehensive report is expected to provide further information to prevent such accidents in the future.