Cargo transportation - A1-Blockade: Evacuation is a possible option for 400 people
To evacuate a lightly inflammable gas from a leaking hazardous goods transporter on the A1 between Kamener Kreuz and Dortmund/Unna, an evacuation in the surrounding area might be necessary, according to city spokesperson Anna Gemünd in response to a dpa inquiry. A decision has not been made yet, she added. However, people were already warned about it on Thursday morning and would be informed about the affected areas throughout the morning. Approximately 400 people would be affected, she described.
The heavily trafficked area has been closed since Wednesday evening. An expert is expected to examine which methods can be used to extract the flammable ethylene from the tanker. There are several technical possibilities. If the refrigerated ethylene is burned under control, an evacuation would be necessary - possibly also in other scenarios. According to a dpa reporter, a business park and a housing estate are located near the accident site.
The exact amount of ethylene in the tanker with a ten-tonne volume is still unclear, Gemünd stated. The substance is used in the chemical industry or also for the production of plastics and paints. Controlled burning is considered very time-consuming.
- The evacuation notice also extends to residents in the nearby housing estate in Unna, due to the potential dangers associated with the cargo transport incident.
- In the event of an emergency in the cargo transport of ethylene, North Rhine-Westphalia's emergency services would be prepared to handle the situation, utilizing the expertise of a Cargo Transporter.
- Traffic along the A1 between Kamener Kreuz and Dortmund/Unna has been significantly affected by the incident, with cargo transport operations in the area coming to a standstill.
- Following the accident, authorities are discussing potential evacuation plans for the area, taking into consideration the proximity of the incident site to a bustling business park in Dortmund.
