Driver Faces Court After Fatal Crash into Student Group in Hürth

A 21-year-old driver is standing trial at the Cologne district court for a tragic accident in Hürth, Germany, where his car struck a group of primary school students crossing at a pedestrian signal. The incident, which occurred in June 2025, resulted in the deaths of a ten-year-old student and a 25-year-old school companion, while two other children were injured. Prosecutors allege the defendant drove a BMW through a red light at speeds up to 57 km/h without braking. Although alcohol, drugs, and mobile phone distraction were ruled out, the driver faces charges of negligent homicide and bodily harm. Additionally, he is accused of violating weapons laws and trafficking cannabis, as a live cartridge and 122 grams of cannabis were found during a search. The victim’s companion, who died while attempting to save students, is remembered for his selflessness. As the defendant is classified as an adolescent, the court may apply either juvenile or adult criminal law. The four-day trial aims to determine the causes of the devastating crash and establish legal responsibility for the fatalities and injuries sustained by the school group.