Altona: Drunk men in the track tunnel – danger to everyone’s life!

Altona: Drunk men in the track tunnel – danger to everyone’s life!

On June 15, 2025, a dangerous incident occurred at Hamburg's Altona train station, which once again brought the life-threatening risks of entering railway tracks into the spotlight. At around 9 p.m., two men entered a track tunnel undisturbed while the S-Bahn continued to run regularly. A 20-year-old and a 34-year-old not only caused excitement, but also caused the train driver to brake dramatically, who blew several warning whistles to protect the passengers. T-Online reports that the federal police observed the incident and had to intervene quickly.

The 20-year-old, who was under the influence of alcohol, tried to escape immediately. Nevertheless, he was quickly brought to the ground and handcuffed by a federal police officer, although he offered considerable resistance. A subsequent breath alcohol test revealed a level of 1.94 per mille. The 34-year-old, however, turned himself in to the police, but refused to take a breath alcohol test and was ultimately released on site. After the police measures have been completed, both men now have to answer for various administrative offenses and criminal offenses. Day24 reported about the risks of alcohol consumption in connection with staying in the track area.

Drunken danger seekers

Just a week earlier, a 28-year-old man was seen at Hamburg Central Station, also drunk, descending onto the track area. With a cell phone in his hand, he hardly seemed to understand the life-threatening consequences his actions could have. Due to the acute danger, the federal police had to close the affected section of the route and interrupt the power supply. Ultimately, the man was taken to a hospital to sober up with a breath alcohol level of 1.91 per mille. His behavior led to a case for trespassing on the railway track, and one can only hope that he internalizes the shock of the experience. The Deutsche Bahn clearly indicates the ban on entering railway tracks.

The reason is quickly explained: despite all the warnings and information signs, people often put their lives at risk. Unique incidents show how dangerous it is to step onto the track, even for a short time. Deutsche Bahn and the Federal Police are therefore working intensively on educational measures. This is because the trains find it very difficult to brake at a speed of 100 km/h - a braking distance of 800 to 1,000 meters is not uncommon. In addition, the trains are often barely audible as they become increasingly quiet.

Education is the be-all and end-all

Deutsche Bahn focuses on prevention and has set up six new teams to address children and young people in particular. Informative stands at train stations and teaching units teach people how to behave correctly in rail traffic and where the dangers lurk. Colorful banners and emotional videos on social media also draw attention to the topic. Finally, there are clear legal consequences for unauthorized access to tracks, which can be punished with fines of up to 5,000 euros or even a prison sentence of up to 10 years if railway operations are endangered.

There is definitely a big risk on the tracks. These two incidents from Hamburg are a strong reminder that our safety is our top priority and that careful action in railway areas can be not only smart, but life-saving.