Jan Hofer briefly unconscious - Jan Hofer's icy fall reignites Berlin's salt ban controversy after court ruling
Former Tagesschau anchor Jan Hofer suffered a fall on an icy Berlin pavement in early February 2026. The incident reignited debate over the city's ban on private de-icing salt use—a rule recently upheld by the Administrative Assistant Court. Hofer's criticism of environmental group NABU followed, as his smartwatch automatically called emergency services after the accident.
On a cold day in Berlin, Jan Hofer slipped on untreated ice outside his home. The 71-year-old briefly lost consciousness, prompting his smartwatch to alert paramedics. He later recovered but spoke out against the city's strict salt regulations.
The ban on private salt spreading had been reinstated after NABU successfully challenged a 2025 decree allowing its limited use. Berlin's Administrative Assistant Court ruled on February 3, 2026, that the prohibition under the Street Cleaning Act remained valid. No reports suggest similar legal action in other German cities as of early February. Hofer directly blamed NABU for the fall, arguing their legal push had left pavements dangerously icy. The group had campaigned against salt use, citing environmental harm to soil and waterways. Authorities have not commented on whether the incident will prompt policy reviews.
The court's decision leaves Berlin's salt ban firmly in place, with no immediate signs of change. Hofer's accident highlights ongoing tensions between public safety and ecological concerns. For now, residents must continue relying on municipal gritting services during winter freezes.
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