Tragic accident in Schwandorf: 76-year-old dies at train collision

Tragic accident in Schwandorf: 76-year-old dies at train collision

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, there was a tragic accident at the Klardorf level crossing in Schwandorf, Bavaria. A 76-year-old driver died in the collision between his vehicle and a regional train who was on the route from Regensburg to Schwandorf. The serious incident not only affected the family of the deceased, but also the passengers of the train. A total of 24 people were able to leave the train independently; However, some suffered a shock and required psychological care, such as [fireworld.at] (https://www.fireworld.at/2025/04/bayern-76-jaehriger-stammt-biebstoss- between-pfk-und-zug-in-schwandorf/).

The exact cause of the accident is so far unclear. Investigations into the cause of the accident and the condition of the barriers at the level crossing are underway. Over 100 emergency services, including local fire brigades, the emergency services, the federal police, the technical relief organization and the Deutsche Bahn, were quickly on site to provide first aid and secure the Situation. The Schwandorf police inspection has taken over the investigation and will clarify the background of the incident.

dangers at level crossings

The accident in Schwandorf is reminiscent of the persistent dangers that exist at level crossings. Despite a decline in the number of level crossings in Germany, the number of accidents remains high. Current statistics show that accidents at level crossings are done around three times a week in Germany. In 2024, the authorities registered a total of 153 accidents at these transitions, with 25 people died, such as [welt.de] (https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article255535318/verkehrsunfaelle-wärzenzone-ueberga-ueberga- ubstrophe-crashs-und-ein-grosses-dunkelfeld).

It is particularly alarming that 37% of the level crossings are not technically secured, which increases the risk of dangerous collisions. Technical security measures are of crucial importance, but only offer protection if the ambient conditions are correct. Often unfavorable street tours and poor visibility contribute to the development of accidents. However, the responsibility for the quality of the road tours is not due to Deutsche Bahn, but with the road traffic authorities, which often do not have the necessary funds to implement the necessary measures.

causes and challenges

The cause research in accidents at level crossings is a significant challenge. Experts estimate that 200 to 300 such accidents happen annually, with about 95% due to misconduct by drivers, cyclists or pedestrians. The dark field of such accidents that are not or incorrectly recorded is serious and shows that security at level crossings is still an urgent topic.

The tragic events in Schwandorf illustrate the need to improve the security at level crossings and to sensitize those responsible in good time. While the reduction of dangerous transitions is a solution, this often happens much too slowly to ensure public security effectively.