Saxony-Anhalt
A2 remains closed after an accident with gas explosions, so far two dead have been recovered
Trucks are on the A2 at an accident site in Theessen after the explosion of several gas bottles.
© Cevin Dettlaff/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
After the serious accident on the A2 near Magdeburg, two dead have now been recovered. The freeway initially remained closed.
In the serious rear-end collision with explosions on Autobahn 2 (the star reported) the bodies of two people have been recovered so far. A spokesman for the Magdeburg police said on Wednesday morning. According to initial findings, the two dead were two truck drivers. It was also initially unclear whether there were any other deaths.
According to initial investigations, the driver of a dangerous goods transporter drove into a traffic jam in front of a construction site on Tuesday afternoon between the Theeßen and Burg-Ost junctions (both in the Jerichower Land district). Three trucks were pushed into each other in front of him, it said. A fifth truck hit the other trucks. It was loaded with pressure vessels filled with nitrous oxide. A fire broke out, there were several explosions.
A2 initially remains closed after the accident
The emergency services were initially unable to recover the bodies and take further measures because the risk of further explosions was great. The A2 was still closed on Wednesday morning – it was initially unclear how long the closure would last. It is expected that the vehicles will not be able to be recovered until Wednesday morning, it said on Tuesday evening. As a result, the highway had to remain closed overnight.