Overview

• The Staatsanwaltschaft Frankenthal has concluded its investigation into the February 2024 death of a four-year-old girl at a Limburgerhof daycare, citing lack of evidence for criminal charges.
• The child died from strangulation caused by a Topfstelze around her neck while using a playground slide, as confirmed by autopsy findings.
• Investigators determined the accident occurred within a 19-minute window but could not establish which caregivers were present at the time.
• Prosecutors acknowledged a likely breach of supervision duties but found no direct proof linking any individual staff member to the fatal incident.
• The daycare's management was cleared of wrongdoing, as they had implemented oversight rules, conducted staff training, and maintained regular equipment checks.