Black Ice Paralyzes Mainz Motorways in Winter Chaos on February 3
Heavy wintry weather struck the Mainz area on February 3, 2026, causing major traffic problems. Motorways around the city saw long delays and multiple accidents as icy conditions took hold. Drivers faced hazardous travel for much of the afternoon and evening.
Between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM, emergency services dealt with 16 separate accidents on the A60 and A63. Two of these incidents led to minor injuries, though most collisions resulted in damage only. Investigators later confirmed that neither vehicle faults nor serious driver mistakes played a role in the majority of cases.
Black ice formed rapidly from freezing moisture, trapping several lorries at motorway entry points. Emergency crews, supported by the Technical Relief Agency (THW), worked to clear blocked ramps. Some on-ramps remained shut for up to three hours while teams made the roads safe again.
The icy conditions disrupted travel for hours, forcing temporary closures and slowing traffic. While most accidents caused only property damage, two people suffered minor injuries. Authorities have not yet announced any further measures to prevent similar issues in future cold snaps.
