Deadly icy conditions trigger multi-vehicle crash on Germany's A1 motorway
A serious crash took place on the A1 motorway near Stapelfeld on the morning of February 4, 2026. A semi-truck and a Hyundai Tucson collided after the lorry driver lost control due to icy conditions. One person suffered minor injuries, while another required rescue from their vehicle.
The accident happened at around 9:20 AM when a 53-year-old Macedonian truck driver struggled to maintain control of his Chevrolet. The icy stretch of road caused the lorry to skid, hitting the guardrail before breaking through and coming to rest on the grass verge. The Hyundai Tucson, driven by a 57-year-old man from Glinde, also struck the barrier, leaving him trapped inside until firefighters freed him.
The injured driver was taken to hospital by ambulance. Emergency services closed the road due to extreme slipperiness, while maintenance teams worked to spread grit. Recovery operations for the Chevrolet are still ongoing.
In the days leading up to the crash, the region between Lübeck and Hamburg faced harsh winter conditions. Temperatures hovered around -7°C, with biting easterly winds making it feel even colder. Prolonged frost turned pavements into ice sheets, and overfreezing wetness left roads dangerously slippery. The German Weather Service (DWD) had issued warnings for Hamburg, including snow showers, black ice risks, and persistent frost from January 31 to February 3. Though no specific warnings covered the exact A1 stretch, ongoing winter service disruptions from strikes worsened the hazards.
The collision resulted in one person being hospitalised with minor injuries. The road remained closed as crews worked to clear the scene and improve traction. Authorities continue to urge caution on icy routes, particularly where winter maintenance has been delayed.
