Media: German town left split in two after lightning strike

A lightning strike has disabled barriers at two railway crossings in the Bavarian town of Harburg, effectively dividing the town into two, Deutsche Welle reports.

According to the report, police said the affected crossings are the only direct road links between Harburg's western and eastern districts and are no longer passable by car.

Residents have been forced to take detours of several kilometres, while road crews worked on Wednesday morning to establish alternative routes.

It remains unclear when the damage will be repaired. Police said the disruption could continue into the morning rush hour.

A Deutsche Bahn technician has been notified, but repairs may take time due to numerous other weather-related faults.

Until the repairs are completed, the crossing barriers will remain closed.

Police also warned motorists not to use unofficial detours or attempt to drive around the lowered barriers.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov