Stolen Excavator Burns in Forest Between Hambühren and Celle

A construction excavator was stolen twice from a site on An der Schachtbahn in Ovelgönne and later found completely burnt in a forest area near the Allerradweg, between the municipalities of Hambühren and Celle in Lower Saxony, Germany. The fire was discovered on the morning of 22 June 2026, prompting the Hambühren volunteer fire brigade, supported by police, to extinguish remaining hotspots and cool the surrounding vegetation with water and a thermal‑imaging camera. Police are investigating the theft, the arson and the resulting six‑figure damage to the machine and forest. The incident occurred amid heightened fire‑danger warnings for the Celle district, with authorities urging residents to report any smoke or fire immediately.

The investigation is being led by the Wietze police station, which is seeking witnesses who may have heard the excavator operating or seen suspicious activity on the night of 21 June. The damage includes the destroyed excavator, a diesel‑engine vehicle, and considerable harm to trees and ground cover in the forested site.