Icy roads trigger two serious car crashes in Germany's Heidekreis region
Icy roads caused two serious accidents in the Heidekreis region on Tuesday. A 25-year-old man crashed into a tree after losing control of his car, while a 35-year-old woman skidded dangerously close to a police car. Both incidents were linked to treacherous conditions following days of freezing temperatures and mixed precipitation.
The first crash happened in the morning on Federal Highway 209 near Rethem. A 25-year-old man veered off the icy road while pulling a trailer. His car struck a tree, leaving both the car and trailer undriveable. Emergency crews towed the wreckage, but the driver escaped without injury.
Later that afternoon, a 35-year-old woman lost control of her car in Grethem. Her summer tyres failed to grip the frozen surface, sending her skidding into the opposite lane. She narrowly missed a stationary police patrol car. Authorities immediately stopped her from continuing her journey and launched administrative proceedings against her.
The accidents followed days of hazardous weather in the Heidekreis area. From late January into early February, temperatures hovered between -5°C and +2°C. A stubborn air mass boundary brought repeated bouts of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Forecasters had warned of widespread icy patches, creating dangerous driving conditions across northern Germany.
The two crashes highlight the risks of winter driving without proper tyres. One driver faced legal consequences, while the other walked away unharmed but without a car. With icy conditions persisting, authorities continue to urge caution on the roads.
