This is the heartbreaking moment a truck driver trapped at a level crossing was forced to jump to safety seconds before a freight train destroyed his vehicle.
Footage taken by a horrified witness showed how the truck filled with debris became stuck at the A2 junction between Marienborn and Belsdorf in the Börde district of Saxony-Anhalt around midday on Friday.
The freight train, carrying several new Audi cars, collided with the truck and was dragged at high speed while the driver desperately tried to brake.
Debris could be seen thrown far and high.
German newspaper Bild reported that debris and pieces from the destroyed truck were dragged for more than 100 meters (328 feet) as the freighter slowed to a stop.
An emergency officer at the scene told the newspaper: “A technical defect caused the accident.
“The truck driver managed to make an emergency call before reaching safety.”
Local media reported that the train driver was only slightly injured in the accident, although both the truck and the locomotive were completely destroyed.
Footage taken by a horrified witness showed how the truck full of debris became stuck at the A2 junction between Marienborn and Belsdorf in the Börde district of Saxony-Anhalt around midday on Friday.
The freight train, carrying several new Audi cars, collided with the truck and was dragged at high speed, while the driver desperately tried to brake.
Debris could be seen thrown far and high.
It was reported that the railway crossing would be closed at least until Wednesday, while authorities investigate and clarify the incident.
As a result, major railway routes suffered serious disruptions.
As a result, long-distance trains to and from Hanover were diverted via Wolfsburg and Stendal, causing additional journey times of 20 minutes.
Partial road closures were also imposed across the region.