Hit by a car - Hochbahn mourns train driver after accident at Jungfernstieg
After the fatal accident at Jungfernstieg, Hamburg's Hochbahn is mourning the loss of one of their employees. "It's unfathomably tragic how suddenly a person was torn from our lives and from our midst," explained Personnel Director Saskia Heidenberger of the city's enterprise. The man was 39 years old, a father, and a U-Bahn driver. The Hochbahn employees plan to observe a moment of silence for their colleague on Thursday at 11:00 am. Buses and U-Bahns will remain at the stops for this purpose.
The 39-year-old was fatally injured in the accident on Tuesday morning. A 23-year-old man was seriously injured, and a 29-year-old man was lightly injured. A witness suffered a shock and was taken to the hospital. The two men in the car - a vehicle with 612 PS - were lightly injured. The Crisis Intervention Team of the German Red Cross reportedly cared for approximately 25 people affected by the incident, such as first responders or witnesses.
Unclear cause of accident
According to the police, the driver of the car veered onto the sidewalk for reasons yet to be determined. He first hit several chairs on the outdoor terrace of a restaurant, then collided with a parked transporter and came to a stop with a smashed front in the entrance area of the branch.
Due to the impact, the transporter moved forward and struck the 39-year-old, who was first transported to the hospital for revival efforts. He later succumbed to his injuries, as the police reported.
Investigation against driver
The police are investigating the 18-year-old driver of the accident vehicle. Whether a charge will also be brought against the 52-year-old passenger is still being determined, the police stated. What exactly the investigators are accusing the driver of is still unclear.
Further questions the police could not answer due to the ongoing investigation, such as whether the young driver had a valid driver's license, was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or had a medical emergency.
Maximum speed of 50 km/h allowed
The police also remained silent on the speed of the accident vehicle. At the intersection of Ballindamm/Jungfernstieg, a maximum speed of 50 hours-per-kilometer is permitted. Jungfernstieg has been closed to private automobile traffic since October 2020. The street is currently being renovated and cannot be driven on. The police reported that the car came from Ballindamm.
- The accident involving the elevated railroad and the car occurred near Jungfernstieg, a street that has been closed to private vehicles since October 2020 due to renovations.
- The police are investigating the driver of the car, an 18-year-old, for his involvement in the accident that resulted in the death of a 39-year-old U-Bahn driver and injured several others.
- The elevated railroad's Hochbahn employees, including witnesses, were affected by the accident and received support from the Crisis Intervention Team of the German Red Cross.
- Despite the ongoing investigation, it remains unclear why the driver of the car, which had a maximum speed of 50 km/h at that intersection, veered onto the sidewalk, causing the accident.
