Hemer Bus Crash: Bus Driver and Critically Injured Passenger Out of Danger
Hemer, Germany – The bus driver involved in the severe bus accident in Hemer, which left 13 people injured, is now out of life-threatening danger, according to the Märkischer Kreis Police Authority. Additionally, the condition of a 19-year-old woman from Hemer, who was airlifted to Bochum with critical injuries, has stabilized.
On Saturday, the scheduled bus collided with five vehicles for reasons that remain unclear. The bus traveled approximately 200 meters before coming to a halt against a building that was no longer in use. Initial estimates place the material damages at around €300,000. The majority of this amount is attributed to the bus, which police stated as a total loss.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing. Results from an expert report are expected in the coming weeks, the police added.
Accident Overview
The incident occurred on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at approximately 10:45 a.m. The bus was traveling on Iserlohner Straße in Hemer when it collided with a truck, two cars, a van, and a motorcycle. The impact of the collision caused the bus to veer off the road and crash into the side of a building.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Emergency services from Hemer, Iserlohn, Menden, and Lüdenscheid responded to the scene and provided medical assistance to the injured. A total of 13 people were transported to nearby hospitals, including the bus driver and eight passengers.
Of the 13 injured individuals, five sustained life-threatening injuries and were initially in critical condition. One of the critically injured passengers, a 19-year-old woman from Hemer, was airlifted to Bergmannsheil Hospital in Bochum. The remaining four critically injured passengers were transported to hospitals in Dortmund, Hamm, and Soest.
Current Condition of the Injured
As of July 24, 2023, all 13 injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition. The bus driver, who initially sustained serious injuries, is now out of life-threatening danger. The 19-year-old woman who was airlifted to Bochum is also said to be stable.
Investigation and Cause
The Märkischer Kreis Police Authority is currently investigating the cause of the accident. As part of the investigation, an expert report has been commissioned to determine the technical condition of the bus and the actions of the bus driver.
The police have stated that the investigation is complex and that it may take several weeks to determine the exact cause of the accident. They are urging witnesses who have yet to come forward to contact the police with any information they may have.
Support for the Injured and Their Families
Local authorities and organizations are providing support to the injured and their families. The Red Cross has set up a hotline for anyone affected by the accident to receive psychological and practical assistance. The city of Hemer has also established a fund to provide financial support to the victims and their families.
The community of Hemer has expressed its condolences to the victims and their families. A memorial service is being planned to honor those who lost their lives in the accident.
