- Stones on Railways - A Danger to Yourself and Others
In Saxony-Anhalt, there's been an increase in incidents of people placing stones on train tracks, endangering others. In the first six months of this year, 13 such cases were reported, according to the Federal Police. For comparison, there were that many cases throughout the whole of 2023. In the two preceding years, seven (2022) and five (2021) cases were recorded.
"A person placing stones on tracks also risks serious injuries," said a spokesperson for the Federal Police. When hit, the stones could act like projectiles, fly around, and injure bystanders or even the perpetrators themselves.
In the past five years, the most cases were recorded in 2019, with a total of 16. The police could not provide information on how often people throw stones from bridges onto the tracks.
Track closure is the result
When stones on tracks are reported, the track is initially closed, explained the police spokesperson. After the on-site deployment, it is checked whether a criminal investigation needs to be initiated - for dangerous interference with rail traffic, property damage, or disruption of public operations. In the search for suspects, the public is often asked for help, the spokesperson said.
German Railways also sees placing stones on tracks as a significant danger. "Placing stones on tracks is not a minor offense. You put yourself and others at risk," warns a railway spokesperson. This could not only result in injuries but also cause delays for thousands of passengers.
Prevention is to help
Especially with regard to younger people, the railway, together with the Federal Police, is working to prevent the awareness of dangers and the threshold for breaking rules from decreasing further, added the railway spokesperson. "Our prevention teams are in kindergartens, schools, and at events with information stands to raise awareness about the dangers. Our message: Where trains run, there's no place for adventures."
In response to the increased incidents of stone-throwing on train tracks, rail transport in Saxony-Anhalt has been significantly disrupted. Track closure and investigation are necessary measures taken by the police following each reported case of rail transport endangerment.
