May 28 -29 News briefs
Bonn/Region · Stormy weather resulted in a train derailment Friday evening. Astronomers hope for better weather to view planets, and attempted thefts were thwarted.
Stormy weather led to a train derailment along the Mosel on Friday evening. A landslide was the cause of the derailment. According to the Deutsche Bahn, the train had been on its way to Trier and was unable to stop in time to avoid it. Parts of the route from Trier to Koblenz had to be closed off in both directions. Luckily, no one was injured, and buses were brought in to transport passengers. On the 61 autobahn near Koblenz, hail was so strong that cars had to pull off to the side of the road. Storms also brought down trees in the north Eifel and there was some flooding in Mechernich and Bad Münstereifel. 100 persons in a supermarket in Bad Münstereifel could no longer open the doors because of the high water. Weather forecasters are predicting more thunderstorms, strong rains, hail and high winds for the weekend in many regions throughout Germany, including Bonn and the surrounding area.
Astronomers invite you to Drachenfels on Saturday to observe the planets Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Members of the Sternwarte Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains Observatory) association will be on the Drachenfels plateau with their telescopes. It is open to the public and guests are welcome; observations will begin at 9:30 p.m. and go until around midnight. Of course, favorable weather conditions will be necessary for a clear view through the telescope. If it is a cloudy night, the viewing will be postponed. Those interested can check out the website: http://sternfreunde-siebengebirge.de/
Johanniter Hospital staff prevented a potential backpack thief from stealing. When they saw him taking a backpack from a break room, tearing it out of his arms as he struggled to get away. One staff member suffered minor injuries to the hand. Employees were able to retrieve the backpack but the thief escaped. He is described as 1.65 meters tall, black hair and a full beard, wearing blue jeans and a black jacket, a gray fleece pullover and Nike shoes. Police ask anyone with information to call (0228) 150.
An attempted robbery at a home in Niederbachem was hindered by doors with a high standard of security. Unknown persons tried to break into the home on Pastoratsweg Wednesday evening after 9:30 p.m. Police say the robbers tried to pry open a house door and a terrace door but were unable to get in because the doors were well-secured. According to police, every second home robbery in Bonn is prevented by doors and windows which meet high security standards. Police remind residents to remain vigilant by securing their homes and reporting anything unusual, and to call 110 in case of emergency. If anyone observed anything unusual in this area, they are asked to contact criminal investigation unit 34 at (0228) 150.
Orig. text: dpa, ga, hbl, val,
