Traffic running despite snow warning - serious accident on A2 - Deadly winter weather chaos grips eastern North Rhine-Westphalia
Winter weather has brought hazardous conditions to eastern North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), with snow and ice causing accidents across the region. A serious crash on the A2 motorway near Herford left one person dead and another with life-threatening injuries. Authorities have urged drivers to take extra precautions as freezing temperatures persist.
The German Weather Service (DWD) issued warnings for snow and icy roads in eastern NRW, with hazardous conditions expected to last into Monday morning. Despite the weather, Monday’s rush hour saw only minor disruptions, and rail and air travel remained largely unaffected.
On the A2 near Herford, a severe collision resulted in one fatality and a driver with critical injuries. The Polizeipräsidium Bielefeld is leading the investigation into the incident. Elsewhere, a gritting truck was involved in a crash in Rheinberg on the Lower Rhine. Some accidents involved vehicles still fitted with summer tyres, prompting police to remind motorists to switch to winter tyres. Drivers are also advised to carry warm blankets and hot drinks in case of breakdowns or delays. Road maintenance teams in NRW are well prepared, with around 80,000 tons of salt stockpiled for gritting. However, the DWD has warned of further challenges ahead, forecasting fresh rain or snow from midday Friday, along with a risk of freezing rain.
The winter conditions have already led to fatal and serious accidents, with authorities stressing the importance of proper vehicle preparation. As more snow and freezing rain approach, drivers are being urged to stay vigilant and follow safety recommendations to avoid further incidents.
