Construction worker near Hückelhoven critically injured – accident on A46!

Construction worker near Hückelhoven critically injured – accident on A46!

A tragic accident occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025, on Autobahn 46 near Hückelhoven in the Heinsberg district. As n-tv reports, a 19-year-old construction worker was hit by a car and suffered life-threatening injuries. The incidents, which frequently occur in the construction industry, highlight the challenges and risks faced by workers on construction sites in Germany.

The accident occurred around 3:37 p.m. when a 44-year-old driver from Heinsberg was traveling on the A46 towards Heinsberg. She noticed the end of the traffic jam too late and swerved onto the shoulder where a construction vehicle was parked. She drove between this and the right guardrail and hit the 19-year-old worker who was working nearby at that moment. According to Presseportal, the injured person was flown to a nearby hospital in a rescue helicopter. The driver and another construction site employee suffered shock and were cared for on site.

The consequences and the traffic situation

After the incident, the motorway in the direction of Heinsberg was closed until around 8 p.m., resulting in a traffic jam of up to seven kilometers. The investigation into the exact cause of the accident is still ongoing, which raises additional questions about safety on the construction site and in traffic.

Statistics on work accidents show that over 700,000 work accidents occur in Germany every year, including many on construction sites. According to IAG Mainz, construction sites are particularly dangerous places as 14% of all work accidents occur there. On average, people die every four days on construction sites alone. Particularly dangerous are accidents caused by contact with moving objects and falls, which are the most common cause of fatal accidents in the industry.

Prevention and safety on construction sites

The construction industry has the highest rate of fatal accidents, highlighting the need for safety measures and training. Technical and organizational measures, such as the provision of safe work equipment and specific training in the use of earthmoving machines, can help prevent accidents. Personal protective equipment, including helmets and safety shoes, also plays an important role in minimizing the consequences of such tragic incidents.

The tragic incident on the A46 is a stark reminder of the safety risks mentioned and the urgent need for measures to improve safety for all workers on construction sites in Germany. Hopes now lie in the injured construction worker healing quickly and the investigation leading to better safety conditions.