Hobby Gardeners Investigated for Tree Felling That Disrupted Major Rail Line

Unauthorized tree felling caused a freight train collision, extensive delays, and complex repairs along the Hamburg-Hannover railway route.

Two hobby gardeners, aged 55 and 57, are under investigation by Federal Police for dangerous interference in rail operations.
The felled tree, located on railway property, fell onto an overhead line, leading to a freight train collision and significant damage.
Train services between Hamburg and Hannover were severely disrupted, with 382 trains affected and over 20,000 minutes of delays recorded.
The damage required extensive and complex repairs to the railway's overhead line, which have since been completed.
The gardeners may face significant financial consequences for the damages caused, though the exact costs have not yet been disclosed.