Nine loose horses halt traffic on German highway near Lübeck

A farm escape turned a quiet Monday into highway havoc. See how police and drivers worked together to avoid disaster with nine runaway horses.

, and Administrator

2026 April 4 . 2:01 PM

1 min read

The image shows two horses running down a dirt road surrounded by trees, plants, grass, poles, and... — The image shows two horses running down a dirt road surrounded by trees, plants, grass, poles, and houses. In the background, there are hills and a sky with clouds.

Nine loose horses halt traffic on German highway near Lübeck

A group of nine loose horses caused disruption on the B207 federal highway near Lübeck on Monday, March 30, 2026. The incident led to a police operation after the animals escaped from a farm in the St. Jürgen district and wandered onto the roadway. The horses broke free after forcing open a pasture gate in St. Jürgen. Initially, they headed toward Ratzeburg before reaching the B207, where they created a hazard for drivers.

Police from the 4th precinct responded quickly, deploying multiple patrol cars to track and contain the animals. Motorists on the highway stopped their vehicles to let the horses pass, preventing any collisions. Two of the horses ran into their owner's car, causing around €3,000 in damage.

Near the Groß Sarau turnoff, the animals suddenly turned and ran back toward their home farm. Officers monitored the situation until all nine horses were safely returned to their enclosure. No injuries to people or animals were reported, and no other vehicles were damaged.

Authorities later reminded drivers to slow down, keep a safe distance, and stay alert when encountering loose animals. If possible, stopping calmly can help avoid accidents until emergency responders arrive. The incident ended without serious harm, though one vehicle suffered minor damage. Police confirmed that all horses were safely recovered and returned to their farm. Drivers were urged to remain cautious when facing unexpected hazards on the road.