Overview
- A Ford driven by a 90-year-old woman was struck on a level crossing in Rastede after the vehicle stopped on the tracks following an attempt to pass left of a closed half barrier.
- Local police say the crossing’s half barriers were already down and the red warning light was flashing when the driver reached the crossing.
- The driver escaped visible injury and was taken to hospital for precautionary observation while the car was completely destroyed in the collision.
- The freight locomotive sustained substantial damage but was reported able to continue its journey after the impact.
- Investigators are focused on why the driver bypassed the safety systems and whether changes to crossing design, signage, or local enforcement could reduce similar risks for road users and trains.