Hamburg train collision report cites safety risks at level crossing

A final investigation report by the Federal Bureau for Railway Accident Investigation (BEU) has identified significant safety risks following a fatal collision between an ICE high-speed train and a truck near Hamburg. The accident occurred on February 11, 2025, at the Reller level crossing between Hamburg-Harburg and Hittfeld.

The report states that the level crossing was insufficiently designed for large vehicles. Specifically, the narrow road and sharp turn prevented long vehicles, such as the truck transporting 18.87-meter railway rails, from clearing the tracks in time. The investigation found that the risk management by rail operator DB InfraGO was also inadequate.

During the incident, the truck was moving at less than 6 km/h when the warning systems and barriers activated. One barrier struck the truck's cargo. Despite the driver's attempts to signal with the horn, the ICE train, traveling at 110.2 km/h, collided with the vehicle. The crash resulted in the death of one passenger, Professor Thomas Großbölting, and injuries to approximately 25 others. Material damages are estimated at 11.52 million euros.