At a railroad crossing in the Neu-Ulm district of Schwaighofen, a cyclist was hit by a train on Monday afternoon. The man was fatally injured in the collision.
According to a police spokesperson, the cyclist apparently tried to cross the tracks via the bike and pedestrian crossing despite the barriers being closed. The conductor of a regional train heading towards Memmingen initiated an emergency brake, but the train hit the cyclist. He passed away at the scene of the accident.
Passengers on the train were unharmed. The train came to a stop two hundred meters past the railroad crossing. The conductor and first responders suffered from shock. The approximately 150 passengers on the train, according to the police, were unharmed. Due to the blocked railway track, there were train cancellations and delays.
A fatal accident at the same location in the fall of 2023
In October of last year, there was a fatal accident at the same location. A 20-year-old had crossed the railroad crossing despite the barriers being closed and was dragged by a train. He sustained serious injuries and passed away shortly after in the hospital.
It is crucial for everyone to be cautious and adhere to safety measures at railroad crossings to prevent such tragic accidents from occurring. The consequences of disregarding safety precautions can be devastating, as evidenced by these unfortunate incidents in Neu-Ulm.
Railroad crossings are equipped with signals and barriers for a reason – to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists from oncoming trains. It is essential to respect these safety measures and never attempt to cross the tracks when the barriers are down or the lights are flashing.
Authorities are continuously working to improve safety at railroad crossings through education, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure upgrades. However, it ultimately comes down to individual responsibility and vigilance when approaching these intersections.
Let us learn from these heartbreaking accidents and prioritize safety above all else when it comes to railway crossings. By being mindful of the risks and following the rules, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely.