Combine Harvester Accident Leaves Farmer Without Legs; Investigation Focuses on Criminal Liability

In August 2023, a terrible combine harvester accident occurred in Hohen Luckow, resulting in a 25-year-old farmer losing his legs. The investigation into the accident is now being handled by the public prosecutor’s office, with the main focus being to determine whether any of the three individuals present at the time of the accident can be held responsible for a criminal breach of duty.

The accident happened while the farmer and his two colleagues were harvesting together in the field. The grain hopper of the combine harvester became blocked, causing them to keep the machine running despite warnings from safety protocols. The young woman operating the combine harvester remained seated and bypassed the safety mechanism that would have shut off the machine if she got up. This led to the tragic amputation of both legs for the victim.

Four months after the accident, police were finally able to interview with victim, who confirmed that it was not necessary to press charges due to quick actions taken by his colleague who stopped the machine emergency stop button. The emergency operation that followed was conducted by a top surgeon and his team, who amputated both legs of young farmer to save his life.

The investigation continues as authorities work to determine cause of this horrific incident and prevent similar incidents in future