[5] The line had been on the list for installation of the PZB automatic train protection system for years, but at the time of the crash this had not been carried out and there were only visual signals.

[8] The passenger train involved in the incident was a lightweight Baureihe 648 operated by Harz Elbe Express, which was traveling from Magdeburg to Halberstadt.

[4] Two days after the incident, it was announced that the driver of the freight train was under investigation for "alleged involuntary manslaughter" and was under suspicion of failing to stop for a red signal prior to the crash.

[9] On 1 February, it was reported that investigators believed that the freight train had passed signals showing both caution and stop prior to the crash.

[10] The installation of PZB at Hordorf had already been planned for March 2011 (in order to increase the line speed limit to 120 km/h (75 mph)) and this work was finally done at the end of May 2011.

The actual severity of the fog at the time and location of the crash remains uncertain due to the rapid changes of these weather phenomena, but the driver of the preceding train reported a visibility range of 100 to 150 m. Rumours of the freight train driver being on the second locomotive were rejected in the report as unfounded.

[12][13] On 28 November 2012 the freight train driver, 41-year-old Titus S., was convicted and sentenced to one year on probation at the suggestion of both state attorney and defense.