Motorcycle hits group of seven pedestrians on unlit road in Pfyn, Thurgau: two dead, one critically injured

The accident

At around 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, a motorcycle collided with a group of seven pedestrians on the main road between Müllheim and Pfyn in the canton of Thurgau, Switzerland. The 27-year-old Swiss motorcyclist was travelling in the same direction as the pedestrians, who were walking from Müllheim towards Pfyn. The collision occurred on a long, straight, unlit stretch of road outside the built-up area, at the level of Zieglerwiese, according to the Thurgau cantonal police. A thunderstorm front was passing through the region at the time, adding to the darkness and possibly contributing to the circumstances. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Victims and injuries

The motorcyclist and a 31-year-old Polish pedestrian died at the scene. A 38-year-old Polish man, also part of the pedestrian group, suffered life-threatening injuries. He was treated on site and then airlifted by a Rega rescue helicopter to a hospital. The other four pedestrians were not reported to have been injured. The identities of the victims have not been released beyond their ages and nationalities.

Investigation and road closure

The Thurgau cantonal police deployed its forensic unit to document and measure the accident site. A drone was used to capture overview images. The fire brigade of Müllheim-Pfyn-Herdern, with around 15 personnel, closed the affected road section for several hours to allow the investigation. Police are examining whether the unlit road, the storm, or other factors played a role in the collision.

Witness appeal

The cantonal police have issued a public appeal for witnesses. Anyone who saw the pedestrian group walking on the main road before the accident or who can provide information about the sequence of events is asked to contact the Thurgau cantonal police.