A truck driver caused a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision involving 50 cars on the A1 and A46 highways in North Rhine-Westphalia, resulting in serious injuries to eight individuals. Suspicions of drug or alcohol use are being investigated. The truck exhibited erratic behavior, leading to a zigzag path and multiple crashes before stopping in a construction zone. The driver, a Polish national, has been detained, and authorities are seeking witness accounts to further their investigation.
Truck Driver Causes Massive Multi-Vehicle Accidents in North Rhine-Westphalia
A truck driver has been implicated in a catastrophic series of accidents involving 50 vehicles on the A1 and A46 highways in North Rhine-Westphalia. This alarming incident has left eight individuals with serious injuries, and there are initial suspicions of drug or alcohol consumption. Cleanup efforts are currently underway on the A1, as authorities work to manage the aftermath.
Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigations
The chaotic journey of the truck on Saturday afternoon raises numerous questions as the investigation continues. From 9:15 to 9:22 AM, a special broadcast by WDR provided coverage of the situation, which has captivated public attention.
As of now, the A1 remains completely closed between Hagen-West and Gevelsberg in both directions due to the truck’s final stop. Fortunately, the A46 has been cleared for traffic. Reports indicate that at least 26 people were injured during the truck’s reckless drive, with eight suffering serious injuries, one of whom is in critical condition, while the remaining 18 sustained minor injuries.
Earlier on Saturday, around 4:30 PM, the truck was reported to the police for erratic behavior near Neuss on the A46, where it was also leaking diesel fuel. Witnesses observed the driver switching to the A1, heading towards Bremen, where he collided with multiple vehicles along the way.
Eyewitnesses described the truck swerving in a zigzag manner at high speeds, blatantly ignoring stop signals from law enforcement. In response, the police urged drivers to exit the A1 to avoid further incidents.
The truck’s chaotic journey came to an end between Gevelsberg and Hagen-Nord, approximately 60 kilometers from Neuss. In a construction zone, the truck entered oncoming traffic, crashed into another car, and ultimately came to a halt sideways on the road.
Despite the truck’s tumultuous 60-kilometer journey, police indicated that stopping the vehicle sooner would have posed significant dangers due to its size.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the extent of the chaos. One motorist described a debris field on the A1, stating, “The truck missed our vehicle by just centimeters.” Another witness, Florian Koch, noted that “cars were spinning everywhere in front and behind us,” as the truck driver “crashed everything without braking.”
The truck driver was apprehended and taken into custody, identified as a Polish national operating a vehicle with Polish license plates. Authorities conducted drug and alcohol tests, but results are not expected immediately. A freight forwarder who reported the truck missing has yet to come forward.
Initial investigations have pointed to potential alcohol or drug use by the driver, who was transported to a hospital for medical evaluations. Once these assessments are complete, the 30-year-old driver is expected to be questioned about the incident.
In an effort to gather more information, police are appealing to witnesses for assistance. The North Rhine-Westphalia State Criminal Police Office has launched a tip portal where individuals can upload videos and pictures related to the incident.