Overview

• The incident occurred on May 6, 2025, in a forest near Zeilfeld, Römhild, in the Hildburghausen district of Germany.
• A 56-year-old man was fatally struck by a falling branch after a felled tree became entangled in another tree's crown.
• The victim was working alongside a 63-year-old companion, who was unharmed during the accident.
• Local police have opened a criminal investigation to assess compliance with safety regulations during the tree-felling operation.
• The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety in forestry and other labor-intensive sectors in rural Germany.