Traffic accidents have significantly increased across the country due to recent snow and icy road conditions, with authorities warning of continued hazards. Notable incidents include a multi-vehicle collision on the A1, leading to injuries and the death of thousands of trout. Airports, including Frankfurt and Berlin’s BER, anticipate flight disruptions and cancellations, urging travelers to check flight statuses and allow extra time for their journeys as severe weather persists.
Traffic Accidents Surge Due to Snow and Ice
Recent snow showers and icy road conditions have resulted in a significant rise in traffic accidents across the country. With slippery conditions expected to persist nationwide tonight, both drivers and air travelers are facing challenges.
The German Weather Service (DWD) has issued warnings for Saturday and Sunday, highlighting the increased risk of accidents on icy roads. A DWD spokesperson noted that isolated snow showers occurred overnight, particularly affecting northern and central parts of Germany. Weather-related accidents were already reported in various locations on Friday.
Authorities from Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia, Hamburg, and Bremen have documented a surge in traffic incidents attributed to winter conditions. A police spokesperson in Bremen remarked that drivers were struggling with icy roads, leading to a noticeable spike in accidents, with around 80 recorded in just a few hours.
Severe Incidents and Forecast
One particularly serious incident occurred on the A1 near Sittensen, where an icy accident resulted in the death of hundreds of trout on the roadway, along with injuries to four individuals. This multi-vehicle collision involved a fish transporter, two trucks, and a car, according to police reports, resulting in approximately 7,000 trout lost on the highway.
In Lower Saxony, the Braunschweig police reported over 110 traffic accidents within an eight-hour window. In the Stade district, five individuals sustained minor injuries in various incidents. Additionally, a taxi driver lost control on a snow-covered road near Kammerbusch, crashing into a tree and injuring herself and two passengers. Furthermore, the A26 was closed for an hour on Friday morning following a collision involving four vehicles.
Thuringia also experienced a rise in accidents due to icy conditions, including a car in Sonnefeld, Bavaria, that veered off a snow-covered road and crashed into a house wall, injuring all four occupants. The damage to the unoccupied house was severe enough to necessitate structural support.
As we look ahead, the DWD has indicated that the weather on Saturday will be mild compared to the conditions expected overnight into Sunday. Precipitation beginning as snow and transitioning to freezing rain will lead to widespread icy conditions, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution.
Travel Disruptions Anticipated at Airports
Travelers at Frankfurt Airport should brace for potential flight cancellations and delays on Sunday, particularly in the morning hours, as advised by airport operator Fraport. It is recommended that passengers allow extra time for their journeys and verify the status of their flights beforehand.
The exact number of cancellations remains uncertain and will largely depend on the weather conditions that day. Moreover, the decision to proceed with flights ultimately rests with the individual airlines.
Berlin’s capital airport, BER, is also experiencing disruptions, with several flights already canceled due to icy conditions. From 9 PM on Friday, landings were prohibited due to limited handling capabilities, affecting a total of 30 flights. By Saturday noon, 17 departures had also been canceled.
Reported on January 4, 2025, at 9:41 AM by Inforadio, these developments underscore the need for caution as winter weather continues to impact travel and road safety.