Two dead: Pedestrians cross closed level crossing in Eitorf

Two dead: Pedestrians cross closed level crossing in Eitorf

In the early morning of July 22, 2025, a tragic traffic accident occurred at the level crossing on Spinnerweg in Eitorf. At around 6:45 a.m., two pedestrians intended to cross a fitting level crossing towards Bahnhofstrasse when they were hit by an approaching tram. The two tragic injuries suffered. A 49-year-old Eitorfer died, while the identity of the second person, a female pedestrian, has so far been unclear. It is striking that witnesses reported that the pedestrians had crossed the transition despite the closed barrier.

The train driver of the tram suffered a shock and was referred to an emergency pastor to support. The passengers of the trams were accompanied by the federal police and fire brigade and were able to continue their onward journey by bus. The police recording team from the Oberbergische Kreis was consulted to examine the course of the accident.

Investigations and rail traffic talent

Following the incident, rail traffic was discontinued in the Eitorf area and the train station was closed for several hours. The blocking of the station lasted until around 10:15 a.m. before it was lifted. The police department of the police in the Rhein-Sieg district has taken over the investigation to clarify the exact circumstances of the accident.

accidents at level crossings are relatively rare compared to other traffic accidents, but often serious. According to information from the German Road Safety Council, a total of 995 accidents at rail crossings occurred in Germany in 2016, which resulted in 46 deaths and 1,367 injuries. About 30-40% of all accidents with personal damage to rail traffic pass at level crossings. This makes these areas a significant focus in the railway accident.

security at level crossings

Security at level crossings is based on the regulations of the railway construction and company regulations (EBO) and other technical regulations. Different options are considered as safety types, including Andreas crosses, semi -barriers and full barriers. The latter offer the highest protection, but require longer closing times.

recommendations to improve security include the use of red light monitoring systems as well as reviews and redesign of non -technically secured level crossings. The German Road Safety Council has already submitted proposals to raise awareness and training of the road traffic authorities in order to increase the safety of all road users at these critical points.

For more information about the accident incident in Eitorf and for general security at level crossings, we refer to the reporting of German Transport Security Council