Tragic Accident at Mönchengladbach Parade and Railway Paralysis

During a traditional parade on Shrove Tuesday in Mönchengladbach, a dramatic incident occurred. A 23-year-old woman, serving as a so-called "float angel" (German: Wagenengel), was run over by the wheels of a bus participating in the parade. According to the latest police reports, her condition remains critical, and doctors are still fighting for her life. Authorities ruled out third-party involvement, deeming the event a tragic accident. Although the parade was briefly interrupted and rerouted, organizers decided to continue it, sparking discussions about safety at mass events. German carnival celebrations, particularly in Rhineland, are among the largest in Europe, with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. For years, security services have struggled to ensure safety for hundreds of thousands of participants gathering along parade routes.Concurrently, Deutsche Bahn and regional operators announced a series of major infrastructure renovations. The most significant disruptions await travelers on the Hanover–Göttingen and Munich–Buchloe routes. In Geltendorf, the replacement of switches will completely halt train traffic from February 23 to March 4. This affects not only regional railways but also long-distance and S-Bahn connections. Meanwhile, in the north near Elze, track works are scheduled for the last weekend of February, severing the direct connection between the capital of Lower Saxony and Göttingen. Operators such as Metronom and Trans Regio urge passengers to check current timetables and use replacement bus services. „The woman remains in a life-threatening condition. We are glad she survived the night, but the situation remains very serious.” — Police Spokesperson in MönchengladbachIn the sports world, significant news was also reported – Franz Wagner, a star of the NBA and a German national team player, is again struggling with an ankle injury. His club, Orlando Magic, announced an extended break for the 24-year-old world champion, dealing a major blow to the team's aspirations in the regular season.