Shock in Ellrich: Fire engine has an accident on an emergency trip!

Shock in Ellrich: Fire engine has an accident on an emergency trip!

On June 4, 2025, a serious accident occurred with a fire engine in Werna, town of Ellrich, Nordhausen district, Thuringia. The vehicle was on an emergency trip when it left the road shortly after 3:30 p.m. and crashed into a wall. The vehicle tipped onto its side, causing the driver to suffer serious injuries and eight passengers to sustain minor injuries. A telephone pole was also damaged, resulting in five-figure property damage. The police have already started an investigation into the circumstances of the accident and the road remained closed for several hours to enable clean-up work. This incident once again highlights the risks firefighters face during their operations, an issue that has received more attention in recent years.

In view of the increasing number of accidents among fire brigade members, the accident prevention regulations (UVV) “Fire Departments” are currently being revised. The last version dates from 1989 and is no longer up to date given technical developments and changing working conditions. In the coming months, the new UVV will be passed and put into effect, which contains important regulations for safety and health in the fire service. This includes, among other things, a risk assessment, which is binding for volunteer fire departments, as well as the obligation to receive regular training on dangers and measures to prevent accidents.

Parallel to the challenges in the fire service

While the firefighters in Werna are struggling with the consequences of the accident, there is another worrying situation in Ellrich. On Sunday evening, a serious fire broke out in an apartment building, with five residents having to be taken to hospital with smoke poisoning. According to the fire department's initial findings, the fire started at a power distribution box, while residents reported a loud bang followed by smoke and flames. The emergency services were able to rescue six residents from the smoke-filled stairwell using turntable ladders. A rescue helicopter was also deployed to treat the injured. Due to the massive damage, the building is now uninhabitable and the Nordhausen police are investigating the cause of the fire.

The events in Ellrich illustrate the multitude of dangers that emergency services face. In addition to the physical risks, mental stress is also an important issue that will be specifically addressed by the planned changes to the UVV. These new regulations are intended not only to improve the safety of firefighters, but also to protect their health and thus meet the growing demands of the fire service.

Overall, it appears that both the current operating conditions and the need for improved safety precautions and training are undeniable. The accident in Werna and the fire in Ellrich are incidents that both clearly illustrate the tasks and risks of the fire department. While the new UVV will be reviewed in the coming months, it remains to be hoped that such tragic events can be avoided in the future through preventive measures.