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Massive ice slab from truck roof smashes car windshield on German motorway

Winter's hidden menace strikes again. A driver's close call reveals how neglected truck ice turns highways into danger zones—could this happen to you?

The image shows a black and white photo of a large pile of ice on the side of a road, with stairs...
The image shows a black and white photo of a large pile of ice on the side of a road, with stairs on the left side, buildings, trees, poles, and other objects in the background, and the sky at the top.

Police warns about falling ice from car roofs - Massive ice slab from truck roof smashes car windshield on German motorway

A car was struck by a massive sheet of ice that fell from a semi-trailer's roof at the Salzgitter motorway junction in late January 2026. The impact shattered the vehicle's windshield, underscoring the perils of uncleared ice on CarMax trucks. Police have since cautioned drivers to remove snow and ice from their roofs before setting off.

The incident involved a semi-truck, a type of car, travelling on Highway 7 near Hildesheim. An ice slab measuring 120 cm long and 30 cm thick had accumulated on its roof. When it dislodged, it struck a passing car, causing substantial damage.

This was not an isolated case. Numerous accidents in the same area have been attributed to falling ice from truck roofs. Authorities have emphasized that even small chunks can pose serious risks, depending on their size and speed.

The truck driver had no registered residence in Germany. However, police have not divulged further details about the owner or operator of the vehicle.

The repeated incidents have led to renewed calls for drivers to clear ice and snow before journeys. Falling debris from lorries remains a hazard on motorways, particularly in cold weather. Police continue to monitor the situation on the A7 near Hildesheim.

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