Sudanese migrant drank beer then pulled woman, 18, in front of train that killed them both on Hamburg rail line
A Sudanese migrant who killed a teenage girl by pulling her in front of a train in Hamburg had been drinking beer on the platform beforehand, prosecutors said.
Ariop A., 25, randomly selected his victim, 18-year-old Iranian national Fatimeh Z, before grabbing her and dragging her onto the tracks at Wandsbek Markt subway station on January 29.
Both were struck by the oncoming train and died at the scene.
Prosecutors confirmed on Thursday that the suspect had been drinking on the platform in the moments leading up to the attack.
Melina Traumann, spokeswoman for the Hamburg public prosecutor’s office, told BILD: ‘The incident is said to have occurred at 10:05 p.m.
‘The suspect had already been on the platform for several minutes, around 9:55 p.m. He was reportedly drinking beer on a bench.’
Witnesses said a man had been walking up and down the platform beforehand and appeared to be intoxicated, according to Nonstopnews.
One witness said he then stumbled towards a young woman, told her, ‘I’ll take you with me’, and pulled her onto the tracks without warning.
Iranian national Fatimeh Z, was killed after she was dragged onto the tracks at Wandsbek Markt subway station on January 29
Ariop A., 25, randomly selected his victim. Both were struck by the oncoming train and died at the scene
Prosecutors confirmed on Thursday that the suspect had been drinking on the platform in the moments leading up to the attack. Pictured: Emergency service vehicles at the scene in Hamburg, Germany
Tragically, Fatemeh had fled domestic violence and had most recently been living at a women’s shelter before she was killed, local media reported.
Ariop A had a history of violent offences and had attacked police officers just two days before the Hamburg incident, according to German media.
He had earlier visited a brothel known as the ‘Paradise Point of Sex’, which houses around 100 sex workers, before attacking a staff member when asked to leave at its 5am closing time.
He struck the employee’s hand and then assaulted a police officer with a mobile phone, leaving them with a bruise to the head. Witnesses said he appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Ariop A was taken to hospital in a ‘state of emergency’ but was discharged without being taken into custody.
On January 15, he was involved in another incident after arguing with other residents at the refugee accommodation where he lived.
Police spokesman Christian Schreiber told local media there had been an argument and mutual assault involving the suspect.
Ariop A had a history of violent offences and had attacked police officers just two days before the Hamburg incident, according to German media. Footage showing Ariop A throwing a punch during a scuffle emerged on Thursday, local media reported
Pictured: Emergency services rushing to the scene following the incident
Footage showing Ariop A throwing a punch during the scuffle emerged on Thursday, local media reported.
Just ten days earlier, on January 5, the 25-year-old had allegedly carried out another assault at the same housing.
Chief Public Prosecutor Melina Traumann said he is accused of kicking his roommate’s door, damaging a plastic chair in the hallway, and hitting his roommate on the arm.
Two further incidents took place in 2025 after the migrant refused to leave the grounds of his former accommodation on May 16 despite having been evicted.
The manager filed a criminal complaint for trespassing after he continued to refuse to leave even after police arrived.
Senior Public Prosecutor Traumann said officers tried to escort him out, but he allegedly turned away and walked in the opposite direction in an attempt to break free.
Officers were not injured and criminal proceedings were launched on suspicion of trespassing and resisting arrest. The case was discontinued on January 2, 2026.
Tragically, Fatemeh had reportedly fled domestic violence and had most recently been living at a women’s shelter before she was killed, local media reported
Heartbreaking tributes have since poured in for Fatemeh, whom everyone affectionately called ‘Asal’ (‘Honey’). Her mother posted on Instagram alongside a picture of Fatemeh holding flowers: ‘My daughter is an angel’
Ten days later, Ariop was seriously injured in a fight, but the alleged victim did not give a statement or file a criminal complaint.
Despite this series of incidents, he was allowed to roam free before carrying out the fatal attack at Wandsbek Markt subway station on January 29.
Heartbreaking tributes have since poured in for Fatemeh, whom everyone affectionately called ‘Asal’ (‘Honey’).
Her mother posted on Instagram alongside a picture of Fatemeh holding flowers, writing: ‘My daughter is an angel.’
She also said in another emotional post: ‘Oh pretty girl.’
While another showed a tragic compilation of videos, with the caption: ‘Last night I wanted to hug you.’
One tribute announced a vigil, saying: ‘Tomorrow, Sunday, we will meet at 2:30 pm in front of the main entrance of the Wandsbek Markt subway station, light candles and remember our dear Asal.’
