[4] The instructor called to the trainee to turn right, but this was not heard by the driver, who did not realise they were heading towards the busy rail line.
When the instructor's emergency engine shutdown switch finally activated, the tank became stuck on the rail line.
The collision instantly killed both drivers of the train, pushing the tank 130 metres forward.
The soldiers were initially arrested and questioned by the police, an unprecedented event at that time.
Relations between the GDR and USSR were already strained due to disagreements between the policies of Erich Honecker and Mikhail Gorbachev.