Families of workers injured or killed in railway construction accidents are raising serious concerns about the DB Group’s safety measures. High-profile cases, such as that of Ali Ceyhan, who died after being struck by a train, spotlight a troubling lack of communication and oversight. Discrepancies in fatality statistics and pressures faced by subcontractors exacerbate safety issues. Families are advocating for change to prevent future tragedies, as incidents continue to occur despite ongoing safety violations.
Accusations Against the DB Group
Families of workers who suffered injuries or lost their lives in railway construction accidents are voicing serious allegations against the DB Group. Concerns about inadequate safety measures on the tracks have surfaced, prompting a closer look at the situation.
Silke Hedemann and Steffen Rach are mourning the loss of their son, Simon Hedemann, who tragically died at a railway construction site at just 19 years old. Necmi Ekici grieves for his older brother, Necip. The three families, united by their shared pain, were brought together by Katharina Duarte after her partner, Ali Ceyhan, was killed while working on the tracks. Their collective experience highlights a disturbing lack of communication and transparency regarding these incidents.
The Tragic Case of Ali Ceyhan
On September 11, 2023, 33-year-old Ali Ceyhan was called to perform track repairs in Cologne-Mülheim. Sadly, he was struck by a regional express train, resulting in his death four days later in the hospital. Although the railway company is covering funeral expenses, the families are left seeking answers.
On the day of the tragedy, Ali was working between the tracks at a Cologne S-Bahn station. An anonymous train driver from Deutsche Bahn, who accompanied the ARD business magazine Plusminus to the accident site, firmly believes that the area where Ali was working should have been closed to trains.
The Cologne public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the case, focusing on the railway employee responsible for track closures. Is this a case of individual negligence? The anonymous train driver reports intense pressure surrounding construction projects, which often forces workers to prioritize train schedules over safety.
Transport expert Böttger highlights that essential long-term investments in the railway infrastructure are being overlooked, raising further concerns about worker safety.
Ingo Lubaczewski, a train driver for another railway company, shared alarming experiences regarding construction site safety. He recounted a moment of shock when he unexpectedly encountered workers while navigating a bend. When he reported the situation to the dispatcher, he discovered they were unaware of the crew’s presence.
Deutsche Bahn has denied allegations of compromising safety to minimize delays. Achim Stauß, a spokesperson for the company, insists that safety is prioritized over punctuality and profitability. He claims that, over a long-term period of 15 to 20 years, accident rates have decreased, although Plusminus has not verified these statistics.
This year alone, Deutsche Bahn has had to adjust its schedules between two and three million times.
Discrepancies in Safety Statistics
In its corporate report, Deutsche Bahn cites only four fatal work incidents for 2023, whereas the Federal Railway Authority’s safety report lists eight. An analysis of press coverage suggests the number could be as high as twelve fatalities.
When questioned about these discrepancies, Stauß clarified that their business report only includes employees directly employed by DB, excluding those from contracted firms, which also experience tragic losses.
The issue of staffing shortages at signal boxes is also contributing to Deutsche Bahn’s delays.
The case of Necip Ekici further exemplifies these challenges. His death, caused by a reversing digger at a construction site, is not reflected in official statistics, as he was employed by a subcontractor. His brother suspects that the pressure to secure future contracts may have played a role in the lack of safety oversight.
The anonymous train driver corroborated that subcontractors often face greater pressure than direct railway employees, exacerbating safety concerns. The construction company involved in Necip’s case declined to comment on the incident.
As the decade progresses, plans for a high-performance railway network are in place, but questions remain about the funding necessary to achieve these goals.
Rising trends in safety violations are alarming, as the Federal Railway Authority reports 2,700 safety deficiencies during 800 inspections in 2023 alone.
Determined to ensure their loved ones did not die in vain, families like Katharina Duarte and Necip Ekici are advocating for change. They traveled to Berlin to raise awareness among Bundestag members, seeking to prevent future tragedies and ensure that the issues within Deutsche Bahn are taken seriously. Despite their efforts, reports indicate that nine workers have already lost their lives on the tracks in 2024.