No air conditioning: “Very helpful”: rescuers receive many thanks after train breakdown

But what followed was a rescue operation by countless people: volunteer fire brigades, civil protection officers and emergency services rushed to the scene. Many of those affected have now thanked people for their commitment and great help.

The district says that several letters of thanks have come. There were many words of praise: “Everyone was very motivated, nice and very helpful.” “We were very impressed by the professional help.” “What you and your colleagues have achieved in a short time deserves respect and recognition.” “Please pass on our thanks to everyone involved.”

The doors were closed – it became hot and stuffy in the train

Marcus Bethmann, head of fire and disaster control in the Prignitz district, and district administrator Christian Müller (SPD) are pleased with the reactions. Thanks go to the fire brigades from the municipality of Karstädt, the fire and disaster responders and, above all, the Prignitz rescue service.

Despite many forest fires, the broken down train was the fire brigade’s top priority. “Initially it was not possible to open the train doors because the destroyed overhead line was still live,” the district said. It quickly became hot and stuffy on the train. Emergency service employees then gained access inside in order to be able to help people who were particularly at risk.

Helpers brought camp beds, blankets and food

A diesel locomotive pulled the train to Karstädt, a few kilometers away, and there the 600 passengers were stranded on the platform, according to the district. “At the same time, a large relief operation had already started.” Fire brigades brought the people to the Löcknitzhalle, where they were looked after by the Karstädt water rescue service.

Fire and disaster control also brought camp beds and blankets as well as two trucks with food. Because it was clear: the passengers could only continue their journey the next morning.