Freight train accident costs the railroad three million euros
One year after the serious accident involving two freight trains at Leiferde near Wolfsburg in Lower Saxony, responsibility has not been established. After extensive investigations, however, there is an initial suspicion of endangering rail traffic against a Deutsche Bahn employee, as the public prosecutor's office in Hildesheim announced on request. Deutsche Bahn estimates the costs for the company at around three million euros.
On November 17, 2022, a train with 25 propane-filled tank wagons collided with another train that stopped at a signal in the district of Gifhorn. Four wagons overturned and one train driver was slightly injured. It took days for the emergency services to pump out the gas and flare it with a special device. Nothing worked on the important rail link between Hanover and Berlin for several weeks.
The line was only reopened on December 11. According to the railroad company, the largest items from the damage sum were spent on machinery, working hours and materials. Several new overhead line masts were erected, more than 1.5 kilometers of overhead line had to be renewed and almost 2 kilometers of cable for the control and safety technology had to be laid.
Deutsche Bahn is continuing to support the authorities in investigating the cause of the accident, according to a company spokeswoman. However, a conclusion to the investigation is not yet in sight, according to the public prosecutor's office.
The initial suspicion of traffic endangerment in the Leiferde incident could potentially lead to further financial losses for Deutsche Bahn beyond the three million euros already accounted for on their balance sheet due to the freight train accident. Despite the reopening of the rail link between Hanover and Berlin, the ongoing investigation into the cause of the accident may significantly impact Deutsche Bahn's operations and revenue associated with that particular route.
Source: www.dpa.com
