Elderly Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Van in Berlin-Steglitz

An 87-year-old woman has tragically lost her life following a traffic accident in Berlin-Steglitz. According to police reports, the incident occurred when a van driver reversed into a bus stop area and hit the elderly pedestrian.

The driver, a 47-year-old man, was navigating the Schildhornstraße around 9:20 AM on Tuesday when he attempted to back into a bus stop bay located just before the Björnsonstraße. Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman was crossing the road from the median strip at the time of the accident. The impact caused her to fall and hit her head on the pavement.

Emergency responders were called to the scene and provided immediate assistance. The victim was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries during the night on Wednesday.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. This tragic event adds to the growing concern regarding traffic safety in Berlin. In 2024, a total of 55 individuals lost their lives in traffic-related incidents across the city, marking a significant increase in fatalities.

Berlin's Transportation Senator, Ute Bonde, acknowledged the alarming statistics and emphasized the urgent need for improved road safety measures. To address these issues, plans for a 'Traffic Safety Program 2030' are in development, which aims to significantly reduce traffic fatalities, with a presentation expected in the first half of 2025.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks pedestrians face on urban roads and the imperative for drivers to remain vigilant, especially in busy areas.