A Tragic Accident in Stuttgart Leaves a German Police Officer Dead and Another Injured While Escorting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to the Airport.
Monday, June 19, was a day filled with tragedy for the city of Stuttgart, Germany. As Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his convoy made their way through the city after watching the national football team compete against Scotland in the UEFA European Championship the previous night, an accident occurred that would have lasting effects on both the people involved and those who witnessed it.
The German daily Bild reported that a 69-year-old woman ignored signs for road closures as Orbán’s convoy moved through Stuttgart, leading her to ram into the police motorcycle of a 61-year-old officer accompanying Orbán’s car. The strength of the impact was so great that it flung the officer’s motorcycle into another 27-year-old officer on a separate motorcycle who had been blocking traffic at the time of the incident.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, the older officer succumbed to his injuries and passed away. The younger officer is reported to have sustained “serious injuries” as a result of the collision.
Stuttgart Police Chief Markus Eisenbraun expressed deep shock at the accident, stating: “We are deeply shocked by the accident of our colleagues. The tragic circumstances of the death of our valued colleague have left us speechless and have hit the entire Stuttgart police force to the core.
Stuttgart Mayor Frank Nopper also shared his dismay, commenting: “Until midday today, we were all happy that we could celebrate such a peaceful and wonderful football festival in our city… This terrible accident has violently torn us out of this happy mood.
German Broadcaster NTV reported that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s car was not involved in the crash, meaning he did not suffer any injuries as a result. Police also confirmed that Orbán completed his trip to the airport as planned. So far, there have been no suggestions of any political motive behind the incident.
As the city mourns the loss of one of its own, the people of Stuttgart are left to reflect on the importance of road safety and the sacrifices made by those who serve in law enforcement.