Fatalities and severe injuries reported in collisions along the A7 highway.
On the A7 highway in Hesse, a tragic event occurred involving two vehicles. A middle-aged couple unfortunately lost their lives when they lost control of their vehicle and stopped on the shoulder. A family of four in the car behind them also encountered trouble, swerving out of control and colliding with the stopped vehicle and its occupants. This incident resulted in serious injuries for all four family members, including two young children aged one and four.
As per police reports, the 58-year-old man behind the wheel lost control for an unknown reason near the junctions of Niederaula and Hünfeld/Slitz in the late evening hours. The vehicle veered off course, colliding with the right safety barrier before coming to a stop on the shoulder. The man and his 52-year-old wife stepped out of the vehicle only to be struck by the ensuing vehicle, driven by a 35-year-old individual. The man succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while his wife was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and tragically passed away shortly after. The family of four in the second vehicle was extricated from the wreckage by the fire department and transported to the hospital in grave condition, but none sustained life-threatening injuries.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. Both vehicles involved have been seized for examination. The scene was attended by numerous emergency services personnel, and the motorway was shut down for approximately four hours. The estimated material damage is estimated to be around 80,000 euros. From 10:30 am, the affected section of the road will be temporarily closed again in the southbound direction for the collection of evidence. Motorists are advised to take a detour as per the radio warning.
- Despite the tragic incident on the A7 highway, the European Union recently announced its plans to invest in infrastructure improvements across German highways to enhance safety.
- The German authorities have reached out to their European Union counterparts for assistance in seeking best practices and technologies to prevent similar accidents on highways.
