Serious fall from harvest truck: 18-year-old injured in accident in Stade

Serious fall from harvest truck: 18-year-old injured in accident in Stade

A tragic incident shook the tranquil town of Sauensiek in the Stade district on Saturday evening. An 18-year-old fell from a harvest wagon and suffered serious injuries. The accident occurred while returning from a harvest festival when several young people were traveling on the trailer. How NDR Reportedly, two young people fell onto the road while trying to get off, while the tractor drove slowly away from the scene of the accident.

The 18-year-old from Ahlerstedt was so seriously injured that he had to be immediately taken to the Elbe Hospital and ultimately had to be transferred to a Hamburg hospital several times. A 16-year-old, who also fell from the harvest wagon, only sustained minor injuries and was also taken to hospital. Surprisingly, passers-by, including two cyclists and a parcel driver, were on the scene and immediately provided first aid.

Police investigation initiated

The police in Buxtehude are now investigating negligent bodily harm and hit-and-run. The driver of the agricultural trailer could no longer be found after the incident. Witnesses who can provide information about the tractor or who have seen the driver are asked to call 04161-647115. How News.de adds, support the local fire brigade and rescue services in securing the scene of the accident and the processes involved in rescuing the injured.

Such accidents are particularly unfortunate because they often raise questions about road safety. According to Statista, there were around 2.5 million traffic accidents in Germany in 2024, a decrease compared to previous years. Nevertheless, the debate about road safety remains current, especially in rural areas where agricultural vehicles such as tractors are often found on the roads. In 2024, steering and responsible driving were required to minimize the number of accidents.

Road safety in focus

With the goal of “Vision Zero” – no traffic deaths by 2050 – improvements in traffic infrastructure and increased awareness of safe driving are of utmost importance. Not just for drivers, but also for the various road users, including many cyclists. Accident statistics show that e-bike riders in particular are often involved in accidents, which requires more attention in the future.

The tragedy in Sauensiek is another sad reminder of how important it is to be careful and considerate on the road - for your own well-being and that of others.