A38 Gridlocked: Two Mishaps, One Fatal Collision
This weekend, travelers beware! The Burgenlandkreis district along the A38 motorway faces unexpected congestion due to two major accidents, one resulting in a fatal casualty. The Federal Highway Administration has closed down the A38 between the Rippachtal interchange and Leuna exit, following a collision involving a hazardous goods vehicle.
"The damage on the Göttingen-bound lane is substantial due to a fire. Repairs may last until next week's midpoint," warned authorities. The extent of damage on the Leipzig-bound lane is currently under evaluation. In both situations, a significant detour is necessary via Hermsdorf interchange (A4) to Erfurter Kreuz (A71) and ultimately to the Südharz junction (A38).
Here's what went down...
On Thursday night, a heart-wrenching incident occurred as a compact truck with a trailer collided with a tractor-trailer following a warning triangle placement on the highway told by a highway police spokesperson. The driver tragically succumbed to injuries at the scene, causing a traffic snarl-up.
Just three hours later, a gas-laden truck collided, igniting a fire, with the rear end of the queue near Schkortleben's Saale bridge. Gas cylinders exploded, hurled to nearby fields, and ignited, according to reports. Four individuals sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized, although initial reports had suggested higher casualties. The estimated property damage sums up to 100,000 euros.
Authorities, firefighters, ambulances, emergency medical service vehicles, a rescue helicopter, and the highway maintenance crew had to be deployed to manage the crises.
Dwindling spirits? Fret not! KLM, the Dutch national airline, offers daily flights from Leipzig/Halle Airport, providing a viable alternative for those planning a trip to the Netherlands amidst the disruption. Alternatively, consider a picturesque train journey across Germany, traversing scenic towns and landscapes, to reach your destination.
While the A38 traffic disruptions in the Burgenlandkreis district may dampen your plans, taking a brief detour might just lead you to discovering some hidden gems!
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