Dangerous scene in the pedestrian zone: Police specifically searching for mail carriers and parents

Jena. A precarious situation in the heart of Jena’s city center is currently occupying investigators from the State Police Inspectorate. Already in early February, a near-collision occurred in the pedestrian zone between a delivery vehicle and two female pedestrians. To reconstruct the exact sequence of events, the police are now turning to the public with a specific appeal.

The incident in Saalstraße

As the police are only now reporting as part of an expanded witness appeal, the incident occurred on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Two young women were walking in the area of Saalstraße and Oberlauengasse – an area that is actually reserved for pedestrians and only open to delivery traffic at certain times or with special permission.

According to the women’s statements, a white delivery vehicle, presumably a Mercedes Sprinter, suddenly approached. The situation escalated quickly: the vehicle apparently drove so directly towards the pedestrians that they were only able to reach safety by jumping to the side to avoid a collision. Fortunately, according to current information, no one was injured, but the victims were deeply shaken.

Tensions in city center traffic

The incident once again highlights the sometimes tense traffic situation in the delivery zones of Jena’s city center. Especially in narrow alleys like Saalstraße or Oberlauengasse, delivery services under time pressure and relaxed pedestrians often come very close. Legally, special consideration always applies here: vehicles must drive at walking speed, and pedestrians must neither be endangered nor obstructed. A maneuver that forces pedestrians to dodge can be legally classified as coercion or endangering road traffic.

Targeted search for key witnesses

Investigations by the Jena police have shown that the incident did not go unobserved. Statements from people who were in the immediate vicinity at the time in question are particularly relevant for the officers. Specifically, the police are looking for:

• Two mail carriers, who were working in this area and are said to have seen the incident.
• A couple with a stroller, who also witnessed the situation.

So far, investigators have not been able to determine the identity of these persons. However, their statements could be crucial to verify the exact sequence of events and to hold the driver of the white van accountable.

How you can help

The State Police Inspectorate Jena asks the aforementioned persons as well as all other potential witnesses who can provide information about the white Mercedes Sprinter or the driving behavior to contact them urgently. Any observation from the period around February 4 can be helpful.

Information will be accepted at the telephone number 03641 81-0 or by e-mail to id.lpi.jena@polizei.thueringen.de, quoting the case number 0030549/2026.

Sources:
Original
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.

Read original article in German