Wind turbine blade falls after trailer overturns near Plettenberg

What happened

Overnight, reported by police on 16 October 2026, the trailer of a heavy-load transporter left a gravel forest track near the Hohe Molmert wind park, near Plettenberg in the Märkischer Kreis, Germany. The trailer was carrying a wind turbine blade weighing about 135 tonnes, which was intended for installation at the park. During the transport towards the wind park the trailer overturned and the blade fell onto the forest floor.

Police were informed at 00:30. Two workers from Italy sustained minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to hospital for outpatient treatment. The fire brigade dealt with escaping operating fluids, the occupational safety authority was notified by police, and recovery was expected to take the whole day. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Contributing factors

The cause of the accident has not yet been established according to the source. The trailer left a gravel forest track during the transport of a very heavy load to the site.

Lessons learned

1. Heavy-lift turbine component deliveries need route surveys that confirm the load-bearing capacity and gradient of unsurfaced access tracks before the move.
2. Transport plans for blades and other oversized loads should include tracking and escort arrangements for the final approach to the site.
3. Recovery of a fallen component can extend the exposure period for workers and emergency responders, so recovery plans should be agreed with the fire service and the authorities in advance.

More lessons on structural integrity and turbines, worker safety and safe systems of work, from every incident on the register.

Source

news.de