- Two dead and six injured in a serious accident on the A5
A severe accident on the A5 motorway near Bruchsal (Karlsruhe district) resulted in the deaths of two individuals, aged 16 and 50. Six others were injured, one seriously, according to police reports. Five cars and three trucks were involved in the incident.
The cause of the accident was unclear on Monday afternoon. Initial police reports suggested that the 16-year-old and the 50-year-old were outside their vehicle due to an earlier accident and were subsequently struck by one or more vehicles.
The A5 was closed for hours in the direction of Heidelberg (north) for cleanup and investigation, causing significant traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour. The road remained closed on Monday afternoon as all three lanes needed to be cleaned over several hundred meters.
On the opposite side, heading towards Karlsruhe (south), there were delays of up to two kilometers. Police reported issues with rubberneckers. A detour was set up for vehicles on the closed stretch.
A police helicopter was deployed for investigations. Images from the scene showed smoke and flames, but police could not initially provide details. A large contingent of emergency services, including fire and rescue, police, and crime scene investigators, were present. Initial estimates put the property damage at 70,000 euros.
The authorities are expected to investigate the incident thoroughly in light of the severe accident. The Commission, in its endeavor to improve road safety, might consider this incident as a case study and adopt implementing acts to enhance regulations for such situations.
