Treasure-hunter falls to his death near supposed 'Nazi gold train'

A rash of treasure-hunting has occurred in the area in recent weeks in the wake of claims that a Nazi train laden with valuables lies hidden underground between the cities of Wrocław and Walbrzych.

According to police, three men were involved in the incident at the graveyard in Świebodzice, with the alleged robbers operating in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The 39-year-old apparently fell off the top of the listed mausoleum, which houses members of the von Kramst family. He died instantly.

His two accomplices have been charged with desecrating a grave.

“All three men were related to each other,” Prosecutor Ewa Ścierzyńska told RMF FM.

“Initial findings indicate that they were interested in finding treasures, if one can term them as such” she said.

The cemetery lies 5 km from the train tracks where a Nazi train was supposedly hidden 70 years ago. However, access to the site has been blocked and an army reconaissance team is surveying the area.

The town of Świebodzice lay on German territory prior to and during World War II, when it was known as Freiburg in Schlesien. Poland's borders were shifted west after the war, as finalised at the Potsdam Conference of 17 July to 2 August 1945. (nh)