Train hits transporter near Elmshorn, at least five injured, A3 line suspended

What happened

On 3 November, around midday, an AKN train collided with a transporter at a level crossing in Klein Offenseth-Sparrieshoop, in the Pinneberg district near Elmshorn. Police said at least five people were injured, and the transporter driver was among them. An NDR report published at 13:12 UTC described a car rather than a transporter, while later reports named a small transporter. Police have not yet established how the collision happened. Rescue operations were still under way when the reports were written.

Injuries and rescue

Michael Bunk, a spokesman for the Pinneberg district fire brigade association, said 64 people were on board the train, including the driver. Four passengers were slightly injured, and two of them were taken to hospital while the other two were treated on site. The transporter driver was taken to hospital by ambulance, and NDR described the driver's injuries as life-threatening. Police said rescuers freed the driver from the vehicle but gave no details about possible injuries. Volunteer firefighters were evacuating the train, and an accident expert was at the scene to reconstruct the crash.

Passengers slightly injured4

Passengers taken to hospital2

Passengers slightly injured

4 people

Passengers taken to hospital

2 people

Data from the article text

Rail service and investigation

The AKN has suspended line A3 between Elmshorn and Sparrieshoop. AKN Eisenbahn GmbH set up a replacement bus service on the same stretch. No time has been given for resuming train services on the line. An expert has been commissioned to determine the cause of the collision, which remains unclear. The replacement service runs between Elmshorn and Sparrieshoop, the same section where trains are halted.

Earlier collisions at the crossing

The reports point to an earlier collision at this level crossing. On 12 January, a train hit a transporter there, and the driver was slightly injured, police said. On 11 November 2025, a car collided with a train in Klein Offenseth-Sparrieshoop, and its passenger was slightly injured, according to police. The earlier incident at the crossing involved a transporter, the same vehicle type as in the current collision.