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Serious collision in Beckedorf: freight train rams tractor at level crossing!
A serious accident at an unguarded level crossing in Beckedorf occurred on June 18, 2025, when a freight train collided with a tractor.
Serious collision in Beckedorf: freight train rams tractor at level crossing!
Today is not just another day in Bavaria, but also a sad reminder of the dangers at unrestricted level crossings. In an accident in Beckedorf on Wednesday afternoon, a tractor driver was just able to feel a moment of shock when her eyes fell on the approaching tracks. But unfortunately it was too late: They overlooked a freight train coming from the direction of Celle and were seriously injured in the collision. How Tixio Reportedly, the tractor driver was thrown from her vehicle while the tractor itself was thrown into the side room.
The Beckedorf fire department was there at 6:12 p.m. to secure the situation and pick up supplies. As is usual with such an incident, the police are now investigating the exact cause of the accident. After technical investigations, the freight train was able to continue its journey thanks to approval from the railway emergency manager. The tractor was recovered with a crane after the accident.
Are accidents increasing?
The tragedy in Beckedorf could serve as a wake-up call about the dangers at unguarded railway crossings in Bavaria. A study shows that Bavaria has the most in Germany with around 3,000 level crossings, half of which are unrestricted. Statistics show that in 2023 alone, 46 accidents were registered at such crossings BR.de notes. Traditional warning signals such as lights and sounds are often not enough to warn drivers, so over 95 percent of collisions are due to inattention, carelessness or inexperience.
Deutsche Bahn therefore explains the traffic rules at level crossings and calls it a joint task between the railways, the federal government and road owners to develop safer solutions. Tremendous progress has been made in recent decades, but given recent accidents, it is clear that there is still much work to be done.
Consequences and outlook
While you are still dealing with the accident in Beckedorf, there are also significant disruptions in other parts of the country. For example, another accident near Kerpen led to the closure of the railway line between Cologne and Aachen. Loud WDR 1,000 meters of tracks have to be replaced there, and 1,800 damaged concrete sleepers and several overhead line masts are also affected. The result: Long-distance trains, including the popular ICE connections between Frankfurt and Brussels, are canceled and replacement buses are used to transport travelers.
The next steps are clear, the railway is in contact with producers in order to end the closure and make the route accessible again as quickly as possible. However, restrictions are expected to last for weeks, and even after the planned repairs, travelers will still have to expect reduced speeds.
At a time when traffic is becoming increasingly dense, such accidents should send a clear signal that safety is the top priority. It is to be hoped that we too will learn lessons from recent incidents to prevent future tragedies.