Chaos unfolds as snow and ice trigger 58 accidents in Southeast Hesse
Southeast Hesse has faced chaotic road conditions since Sunday evening as icy surfaces and heavy snow triggered dozens of accidents. By yesterday morning, police recorded 58 weather-related incidents across the district, with damage, injuries, and even reckless behaviour adding to the disruption.
The first major incident occurred on Federal Highway 486, where a collision caused over €22,000 in damage and left drivers with minor injuries. Elsewhere, a 44-year-old man lost control of his car on State Road 3117 after drinking alcohol, flipping the vehicle onto its side.
On State Road 3193, groups of youths were seen dropping snow onto passing cars and hurling ice chunks near the Omega Tunnel. Authorities also dealt with a gritting truck that slid off the road in Sinntal, tipping over and spilling its salt load. Meanwhile, a tree collapsed onto a car on State Road 3405 under the weight of heavy snow, though the driver escaped without harm.
In Hanau, a public transit bus veered off course on Rochusstraße and crashed into a residential building, damaging the property. A Hyundai driver on Federal Highway 276 suffered a head injury after speeding and colliding with a van, forcing a temporary road closure. A school bus in Niederdorfelden skidded on ice and smashed into a sports facility fence.
Police in Hanau carried out safety checks on Monday along Ernst-Barthel-Straße and Philippsruher Allee. Starting at 9 a.m., officers caught 13 drivers without seatbelts, 11 using mobile phones, and 27 speeding.
The surge in accidents has left roads hazardous and emergency services stretched. With multiple collisions, reckless behaviour, and weather-related hazards, authorities continue to urge caution as conditions remain difficult across the region.
