Fatal accident in Potsdam: 81-year-old crashes into tree

Fatal accident in Potsdam: 81-year-old crashes into tree

Serious traffic accident in Potsdam: On Sunday, July 13th, around 4 p.m. in the afternoon, a tragic incident occurred in the Jägervorstadt, near the interim sports hall of the elementary school. An 81-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle for unknown reasons and crashed into a tree with full force. The man died at the scene of the accident, which caused deep regret among the fire brigade, rescue services and police. They were on site with several vehicles to take care of the situation, but nothing more could be done for the old man.

The police are currently assuming a medical emergency was the possible cause of the accident. The tragic incident is further evidence of the dangers lurking on the road. What is also worrying is the statistics on accidents in Brandenburg, which show an increase in the number of traffic accident deaths in 2024. In total there were 114 deaths related to road accidents, although the overall number of accidents has fallen. These are important issues that must be addressed in transport policy to ensure safety for all road users, as destatis.de summarizes.

A look at previous incidents

Jägervorstadt is not the only area affected by serious traffic accidents. A similar incident occurred on Zeppelinstrasse on April 24, 2025, in which a 61-year-old woman lost control of her car, possibly due to a medical problem, and crashed into a tree. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while property damage was estimated at around 8,000 euros. This incident also shows how important it is to be careful in traffic and to recognize medical problems in good time.

The traffic disruptions caused by such accidents should also not be underestimated. In the most recent case, tram traffic on Georg-Hermann-Allee was temporarily interrupted, which significantly affected the mobility of residents. According to the Brandenburg police, traffic accidents are not the only problem in Potsdam; Reports of break-ins, missing persons reports and other violent crimes are also common. Nevertheless, traffic safety remains a central concern.

Security initiatives and outlook

Interior Minister Katrin Lange has already pointed out the mixed accident record in Brandenburg: While the number of traffic accidents has fallen overall, the number of injuries and deaths has increased. The main cause of such accidents is often improper or excessive speed. The Brandenburg police are therefore increasingly relying on preventative measures, such as the realignment of the campaign “Better safe. Better live.” and the launch of a new WhatsApp channel for road safety.

The traffic accident statistics are intended to help take targeted measures in traffic education, on the roads and in vehicle technology in order to prevent future accidents and raise awareness of safety.

Such tragic accidents remind us to always be vigilant - ultimately, our safety lies in the hands of each and every one of us. It's never a bad idea to pay attention to your own limits and those of others and to have a good handle on the road.