Tragic train accident: Professor dies when collecting with truck!

Tragic train accident: Professor dies when collecting with truck!

On February 11, 2025, a tragic collision between an Intercity Express (ICE) and a tractor-trailer came near Hamburg. Professor Thomas Großbölting, the director of the research center for contemporary history in Hamburg, died in the accident. Professor Großbölting, who has been in this position since 2020 and also a professor of modern history at the University of Hamburg, lost his life in the incident.

The well-known moderator Bernhard Hoëcker was also on the train at the time of the accident and informed his experiences in an Instagram story. A total of 26 people were injured during the collision, including six seriously and 19. The accident occurred at a half -tied level crossing with a light signal system in the Rönneburg district, whereby eyewitnesses reported a loud bang and broken windows on the train. The driver of the truck was able to jump out of the cab at the last second and remained unharmed.

Investigations and traffic impairments

The 34-year-old Romanian driver of the tractor train was released after an adhesive demonstration because there was no urgent suspicion. However, he is investigated for dangerous intervention in rail traffic. The driver's alcohol and drug tests were negative. The federal police and the fire brigade were used with numerous emergency services at the scene of the accident.

Deutsche Bahn expressed its condolences for the relatives of the deceased and emphasized that it supported the rescue workers. The repair work on the second track is already underway because the overhead line and some thresholds have to be repaired. The railway line between Hamburg-Harburg and Buchholz was closed, although the effects on long-distance transport are classified as low.

For more information, on Merkur and SPIEGEL referred.