Two 32-year-old workers died in a serious workplace accident at a wind turbine under construction in Birstein-Fischborn, Main-Kinzig district, on the morning of February 25. The accident occurred around 5:00 a.m. inside the tower near Federal Highway 276 between Fischborn and Wüstwillenroth. Initial investigations indicate that a work platform, in which the two men were located, fell from a great height. Other employees heard the impact and called emergency services. The incident triggered a large-scale emergency response, and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. (op-online: 26.02.26)
Investigations into the tower crash are in full swing
Police are currently investigating why the work platform inside the structure crashed. An external expert is assisting with the analysis, so investigators are focusing on technical procedures and potential safety deficiencies. The goal is to accurately reconstruct the accident. Emergency services secured the area while specialists documented initial evidence.
The work platform was being used to carry out work inside the tower, but it fell for reasons that are still unclear. The two men died at the scene. Colleagues were also on the construction site when the accident occurred, but they were unharmed. Police initially made no statement regarding possible technical defects or operator error.
Plant still under construction – work inside considered risky
The wind turbine in question is still under construction. Currently, only the tower stands, while the generator and rotor blades have not yet been installed. Working inside such towers is considered challenging, as confined spaces and great heights necessitate special safety measures. Lifting and transport equipment is frequently used during this phase of construction, making its functionality crucial.
The Fischborn wind power project is one of the largest approved projects of its kind in the jurisdiction of the Darmstadt Regional Council. Several turbines are planned for the site, and construction has been underway since its official launch in September 2025. At that time, approximately 75 representatives from participating companies attended the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony. The fatal incident is impacting the further course of the project, while at the same time bringing occupational safety more into focus.
Major Operation by Fire Department, Ambulance Service, and Police
On Wednesday morning, numerous emergency personnel were dispatched to the wind turbine. Firefighters, paramedics, and police secured the area and coordinated the response on site. However, the emergency responders were unable to save the two men. Simultaneously, officers controlled access to the construction site to allow investigators to work undisturbed.
The operation lasted several hours while specialists assessed the situation inside the tower. Such operations require close coordination between rescue workers and technicians because working at heights poses additional risks. Authorities now intend to determine whether organizational or technical factors caused the accident. Until the investigation is complete, it remains unclear what consequences the incident will have for the ongoing construction work.