Germany: 2 dead in Flixbus crash on autobahn

A bus accident on a snowy motorway in Germany on Saturday left two people dead and another four seriously injured, police said.

The accident occurred on the A11 highway near Prenzlau, located north of Berlin in the eastern German state of Brandenburg.

According to a police statement, the bus “veered off the road due to adverse weather conditions and then overturned.”

The two people killed were a 29-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man. What do we know about the accident?
The Flixbus coach was traveling from Berlin to the Polish city of Szczecin, a roughly 150-kilometer (93-mile) trip, according to the low-cost bus company.

There were 13 passengers and a driver on board. Passengers were freed from the wreck through the front window.

“The exact circumstances of the accident are not yet known,” Flixbus said in a statement.

Police had launched an investigation into the possibility of negligent homicide, a police spokesperson told Germany’s DPA news agency, adding that trace evidence from the scene of the accident had been collected and records of the bus’s speed would be examined.

The spokesperson said such investigations were routine in the case of accidents that result in fatalities.On January 11, 2025, a tragic accident occurred on the A11 autobahn near Prenzlau, Brandenburg, Germany, involving a FlixBus coach traveling from Berlin to Szczecin, Poland. The incident resulted in the deaths of a 29-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man. Additionally, four individuals sustained serious injuries, while seven others suffered minor injuries.

Incident Details

The accident took place around 3:00 PM local time as the bus attempted to exit the highway towards a parking area. The vehicle veered off the road and overturned, coming to rest on its side. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, the region was experiencing wintry conditions, including snowfall and icy roads. These adverse weather conditions are believed to have contributed to the bus losing control.

Emergency Response

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, deploying multiple fire engines and rescue teams. Rescue operations were challenging due to the bus’s position and the weather conditions. Many passengers were extricated through the shattered front windshield. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

FlixBus Statement

FlixBus expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this accident and their families. We are working closely with local authorities and emergency services to investigate the cause of the accident thoroughly.”

Investigation

Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. While weather conditions are a significant factor, investigators are also examining other potential causes, including vehicle condition and driver actions.

Recent Similar Incidents

This incident is not isolated. In March 2024, another FlixBus accident occurred near Leipzig, resulting in four fatalities and 35 injuries. The bus veered off the road under circumstances that are still under investigation.

Safety Measures

FlixBus has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, stating that they adhere to strict safety protocols and regularly inspect their vehicles. The company is cooperating fully with authorities to prevent future incidents.

Conclusion

The tragic accident on the A11 highlights the dangers posed by adverse weather conditions and underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in public transportation. As investigations continue, authorities and transportation companies must work together to enhance safety protocols and prevent such tragedies in the future.