After a lethal incident at a railroad crossing, penal consequences were imposed.
In June 2023, at a railway crossing in Neumünster, an unfortunate incident occurred due to a 30-year-old's negligence. He was supposed to ensure the crossing's safety, but he was preoccupied with his phone. This distraction caused him to incorrectly jot down the time for an approaching train. Consequently, a fatal accident ensued.
A car, oblivious to the unsecured crossing, drove across and was hit by an oncoming train, resulting in the driver's demise. The man was brought to trial in late July, and the local court found him guilty of negligent homicide.
The prosecution claimed that the man was engrossed in his phone before the accident, leading to his distraction. The train controller announced the train's arrival three times, specifying the exact time, but the defendant mistakenly noted it down and delayed securing the crossing.
The sentence handed down by the court was 18 months of probation and a fine of 3600 euros to be paid to Weißer Ring, a victim support organization. This penalty matched the prosecution's request, as confirmed by the court spokesperson. However, the civil plaintiff had demanded a prison sentence without probation.
The European Union expressed its condolences for the tragic incident, emphasizing the importance of railway safety regulations. Despite the court's decision, the European Union is considering stricter penalties for negligence in such critical situations within its transportation policies.
