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Report on the fatal high bridge accident: human error?
Freudenstadt reports on the fatal accident at the Horb high bridge and the factors involved. Latest developments available.
Report on the fatal high bridge accident: human error?
A tragic accident that happened on the high bridge in Horb on May 20, 2025 moved people's minds. A technical expert report that is now available provides information about what happened. According to Schwarzälder Bote, there is no evidence of a technical cause of the accident particularly concerning the crane and its equipment.
The crane operator, a 36-year-old, is the focus of the investigation. The public prosecutor's office has already initiated proceedings against him on initial suspicion of negligent homicide. The press release notes that “human error” is being considered as a possible cause of the accident.
The details of the incident
Videos were published on social media after the accident but have since been deleted. A remarkable video shows that the elevator gondola was not raised vertically. At the time of the accident, a cross rope was stretched to secure the structure between the pillars, and damage was also reported to the crane rope, which ultimately broke.
The incident raises questions about safety in the workplace. In 2023, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recorded 838,792 reportable occupational accidents in Germany in its report BAuA, in which 499 fatal occupational accidents were registered. This is the lowest level recorded since records began, along with a decline in fatal commuting accidents to 225 cases.
The fine line between mistake and accident
The current figures show that the accident rate per 1,000 full-time equivalents is 18.8, which represents a decrease compared to previous years. However, it should be noted that human error remains a common cause of fatal accidents in the work environment. Especially in the building construction industry, where the use of cranes and other heavy equipment is required, safety precautions and training for the work are of utmost importance.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the Horber accident is once again fueling the discussion about safety standards in the industry. To avoid such incidents in the future, preventative measures and regular training are essential to keep worker safety as a top priority. In addition to technical aspects, human skills and attention also play a crucial role here.