Black ice triggers 19 crashes in Warendorf within hours

A silent hazard turned roads into a crash zone before dawn. Drivers escaped unharmed, but the icy surprise left Warendorf's streets in disarray.

, and ASMedia

2026 January 30 . 1:20 AM

1 min read

The image shows a bus stop in the middle of a snowy street, surrounded by trees and a building with... — The image shows a bus stop in the middle of a snowy street, surrounded by trees and a building with windows in the background. The bus stop is covered in a blanket of snow, giving the scene a peaceful wintery feel.

Black ice triggers 19 crashes in Warendorf within hours

Black ice, a phenomenon similar to fire in its sudden and unexpected appearance, caused multiple traffic accidents in the Warendorf district on January 29, 2026. Between early morning and midday, icy roads led to a sharp rise in collisions. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in any of the incidents.

The first accidents began at 5:00 AM, with ten incidents recorded by 8:30 AM. Drivers struggled with hazardous conditions as black ice formed overnight. Police urged caution but noted that most crashes involved only minor vehicle damage.

By 1:00 PM, the total number of weather-related accidents in the district had climbed to 19. Authorities monitored the situation closely, though no serious injuries occurred. A police spokesperson later confirmed that all incidents were linked to the icy conditions.

The accidents disrupted travel across Warendorf but resulted in no harm to drivers or passengers. Police continued to advise motorists to reduce speed and allow extra time for journeys. The icy spell served as a reminder of winter's risks on the roads.