Woman in Essen-Kupferdreh trapped under saddle handles!

Woman in Essen-Kupferdreh trapped under saddle handles!

On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, a serious traffic accident occurred on Prinz-Friedrich-Straße in Essen-Kupferdreh at 11:36 a.m. A woman was hit by a tractor-trailer and trapped under the tires. Fire and rescue services quickly arrived on site to provide first aid and free the woman. After being freed, the seriously injured person was flown from Duisburg in a rescue helicopter to a clinic to receive comprehensive treatment. Passers-by who immediately provided first aid were praised by the fire department for their careful actions.

The driver of the tractor-trailer suffered shock as a result of the incident and received immediate medical and spiritual care. He was also transported to a hospital for further examination. Another person involved in the accident only sustained minor hand injuries.

Emergency services and support for those involved

The Kupferdreh and Rüttenscheid fire stations as well as the Essen fire brigade and the rescue service were in action. A rescue helicopter from Duisburg supported the measures on site. The police have started an investigation into the cause of the accident.

Following the accident, the fire department organized psychosocial support for the eyewitnesses in a nearby building. This is an important aspect because traffic accidents not only result in physical injuries, but can also have significant psychological effects on those involved and witnesses. Studies show that traumatic events like this accident often lead to psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Psychosocial consequences after traffic accidents

Psychological impairments often occur among those directly affected as well as among first aiders and witnesses. Symptoms can include disorientation, memory lapses, problems concentrating and anxiety, which can occur in both the short and long term. A quarter of seriously injured people in inpatient treatment suffer from psychological impairments that can occur even without physical injuries. It is therefore advisable to offer support and, if necessary, psychotherapeutic treatment to those affected.

Therapeutic approaches such as exposure therapy have proven effective in helping victims process their experiences and return to normality. Innovative treatments, such as the use of driving simulators, provide additional support for those suffering from driving anxiety or PTSD. A pilot study on this topic has shown that such therapies not only relieve symptoms, but can also sustainably improve the quality of life of those affected.

Overall, the incident in Essen-Kupferdreh shows once again the importance of rapid first aid and psychosocial support after serious traffic accidents. It is crucial that both physical and psychological injuries are given equal consideration.

For further information on the psychological consequences of traffic accidents and treatment options, click here: DGUV Forum.