Cargo transport - A1-Full closure at Unna: Gas leak in Lorry sealed
On the A1 between the fully closed Kamener Kreuz and Dortmund/Unna, an important step has been achieved: The leak on the hazardous goods transporter, which has been leaking since Wednesday evening, has now been sealed, no gas is escaping anymore, said Anna Gemuend, the spokesperson for Unna, at noon. It is unclear whether the easily flammable ethylene can be extracted from the tanker and for how long the stretch will still be closed. An expert had examined the tanker just before that.
An evacuation in the vicinity can be dispensed with, said the spokesperson. Around 400 residents, who live in a radius of approximately 300 meters from the danger spot, had been informed about the possibility of an evacuation in advance. The substance is used in the chemical industry or also for the production of plastics and paints. Initial measurements had shown that a health hazard could not be ruled out. A warning to keep doors and windows closed in the vicinity will now be lifted soon, said Gemuend.
- Despite the successful sealing of the leak on the cargo transport carrying ethylene, authorities in Dortmund/Unna, North Rhine-Westphalia, continue to monitor the situation closely due to potential accidents involving traffic.
- In response to the sealed hazardous goods transporter incident, emergency services in Germany had initially considered an evacuation in the nearby area, mainly in Unna, but this is no longer necessary as per recent updates.
- The accelerated release of ethylene from the tanker was a cause for concern in the chemical industry and plastic production sectors in North Rhine-Westphalia, particularly in Unna and its surrounding areas.
- On the A1, between Kamener Kreuz and Dortmund/Unna, the authorities plan to lift the traffic restrictions soon, given that there's no longer an immediate need for an evacuation, following the successful containment of the hazardous goods transport issue.
