traffic - Two people possibly burnt at A44 racing scene
Two passengers in a sports car died in a severe accident on Autobahn 44 - according to initial findings by the police due to a prohibited race. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle at the Dortmund/Unna interchange heading towards Kassel at high speed. The car left the road, knocked down several trees and immediately caught fire, as the Dortmund police reported.
"The two yet unidentified passengers burnt to death," their report states. The fire department took care of witnesses and first responders at the scene who had to witness the incident.
The second car involved in the alleged race fled. "There are witness statements regarding the second car," the police added. The investigation is ongoing. Numerous accident traces were observed until early morning hours, which need to be evaluated - as well as data from the on-board electronics, a spokesperson said. Further information is currently not possible.
During the accident investigation, the A 44 was closed in both directions. The on-ramp to the A 1 towards Cologne was also affected. The stretch is now free again.
- The sports car involved in the accident was a high-performance model originating from Germany.
- The prohibited race on the Autobahn 44 resulted in multiple traffic disruptions in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Authorities are urging caution on the roads, reminding drivers that racing is illegal and dangerous.
- The police are looking into the whereabouts of the second sports car reportedly involved in the race.
- The crash site was near the Dortmund/Unna interchange, not far from the city of Kassel.
- Similar incidents have led to calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and increased awareness campaigns in Germany.
