Hamburg Firefighter Severely Scalded in Manhole Fall During Operation
Hamburg, February 9, 2026 – A member of the Hamburg professional fire brigade sustained severe scalding injuries on Monday during an operation in the Altona district. The firefighter fell into an open, approximately 1.60-meter-deep manhole filled with hot water while conducting reconnaissance. According to the fire department, there was no immediate danger to life.
Incident Details: Response to Damaged Water Pipe
The Hamburg fire department was alerted at 11:22 AM to a damaged water pipe, responding with a heavy rescue vehicle (HLF) under the keyword “Technical Assistance Small” to Mörkenstraße. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered a defective district heating pipe in the basement. These pipes transport water under high pressure at temperatures exceeding 100 °C.
Prior to the firefighter’s accident, a craftsman had already suffered scalding injuries to his hands. An emergency medical service was called and treated him on site.
Firefighter Falls into Hot Water-Filled Manhole
During further reconnaissance, emergency personnel entered the flooded basement. It was then that a firefighter fell into an open manhole, sustaining severe scalding injuries. The emergency medical service, accompanied by an emergency doctor, transported the injured firefighter to a clinic, where he was admitted for inpatient treatment.
Support for Colleagues and Investigation Underway
The Hamburg fire department offered counseling to the involved colleagues from the fire and rescue station as part of their post-incident support program. The head of the Hamburg fire department, Chief Fire Director Sauermann, also visited the scene to assess the situation. In total, 20 emergency personnel from the fire and rescue services were involved in the operation.
The incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by emergency responders. The DGUV Regulation 49, which outlines key points for accident prevention in fire departments, emphasizes the importance of safety protocols during operations involving hazardous conditions.
The exact circumstances leading to the fall are currently under investigation. The fire department has not released further details regarding the firefighter’s condition or the specific nature of the scalding injuries, beyond confirming they were severe but not life-threatening.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with technical assistance operations, particularly when dealing with damaged infrastructure and high-temperature systems. The quick response of the emergency medical services ensured immediate care for both the injured craftsman and the firefighter.
The Hamburg fire department continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its personnel, providing necessary support and conducting thorough reviews of such incidents to prevent future occurrences.
