Runaway cattle hit by train in the Harz Mountains
A runaway cow has been hit by a train in the Harz Mountains. Despite emergency braking, the regional train did not come to a halt in time, as the federal police reported on Friday. After the accident on Thursday morning, the animal initially ran away but later died from its injuries. No people were injured in the incident near Vienenburg near Goslar.
According to the information, the animal was part of a herd of 15 animals that had run away several weeks ago. The 52-year-old owner of the cattle from Saxony-Anhalt stated that he was unable to recapture his animals and had already applied for a shooting permit. The federal police are now investigating the man for dangerous interference with rail traffic.
The railroad line north of Goslar was closed for around two hours due to the accident. The train that crashed with the animal was then able to continue its journey. For the time being, trains are only allowed to travel at walking pace in the area of the accident due to the animals still running around.
Further southwest in southern Lower Saxony, another herd of escaped cattle has been causing trouble since the summer. Because their owner refuses to catch the animals, the district of Göttingen is taking care of them. However, it has not yet been possible to recapture all the animals.
The Harz Mountains have unfortunately seen another incident involving animals, as another herd, similar to the one causing trouble in southern Lower Saxony, could pose a risk to rail traffic. Unattended animals near railroads can lead to emergencies like the one described, highlighting the importance of animal owners ensuring their livestock's safety.
Source: www.dpa.com
