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Solingen Fire Department: After an accident – new fire engines for more safety!
After an accident in Solingen, the fire department is being equipped with new tank fire engines to improve safety and efficiency.
Solingen Fire Department: After an accident – new fire engines for more safety!
In September 2024, a shocking incident occurred in the Solingen area: a fire service tanker, a TLF 4000, had an accident during an emergency trip to Haan and overturned. Three firefighters were slightly injured, as [Solinger Tageblatt](https://www.solinger-tageblatt.de/lokales/solingen/nach-unfall-bei-solingen-satzfahrzeug-der-feuerwehr-und-baugleicher-zwilling- Werden-ersatz-FCQUSSBIGFHLPJGUIYHOIDH6DM.html) reported. After the accident, an accident commission was convened to clarify the causes. An independent expert found that the vehicle was technically sound and the accident was not caused by driving error.
The reports show that the TLF 4000 ran into trouble with an overload on a rear axle tire in a corner at around 70 km/h. It came to light that the vehicle faced numerous technical requirements, including high cargo volume and suitability for rough terrain. These requirements may have contributed to the overload, as the vehicle appeared to have too many functions packed into one. The accident vehicle has now been sold for scrap value and is being replaced by a new “large fire engine” that is better suited for road trips.
New vehicles for the Solingen fire department
Delivery of the new large fire engine is expected in two to three years. In the meantime, the Gevelsberg fire department has provided a used vehicle to ensure operational readiness. The identical TLF 4000, which was also taken out of service due to the accident, is being replaced by a more maneuverable TLF 3000, which is better suited for operations in moving terrain.
The Solingen fire department is planning to purchase a total of four TLF 3000s. Two of them are for the professional fire department, while one each will be used by the voluntary fire fighting units 7 (forest) and 8 (castle). Another TLF 3000, which is based on a Unimog chassis, remains in use with firefighting unit 5 (Böckerhof) of the volunteer fire department.
Previous accidents and safety checks
The incident in September was not the first of its kind. There was an unexplained accident after the vehicles were purchased nine years ago. This early event has now led to a thorough review of possible design problems with the vehicles. The second remaining TLF 4000 appears to remain shut down until the accident is clarified, as WDR reports. In Solingen, the firefighters have also been trained for years to safely handle large fire engines, which is extremely important in view of the recent incidents.
Those responsible in the city are aware of the explosiveness of this situation and want to do everything necessary to ensure the safety of the emergency services. The considerations regarding the possible retirement of the two TLF 4000 show that the fire department is prepared to take drastic measures to minimize future risks.