A hazardous goods truck caught fire on the A44 in North Rhine-Westphalia, causing significant traffic disruptions and prompting safety warnings for local residents.
The incident occurred around 1:00 PM on March 21, 2025, between the Soest-Ost and Erwitte/Anröchte junctions. A police spokesman detailed that the fire reportedly originated from the driver’s cab after a tire burst. The truck was loaded with multiple hazardous materials, creating further complications for emergency responders on the scene.
The 58-year-old driver managed to escape with only minor injuries and was subsequently taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, emergency services, including around 120 firefighters, immediately responded to the blaze, which produced a vast plume of smoke visible for kilometers around. Police later confirmed that the fire was under control but reiterated that the area remained dangerous due to the toxic fumes from the burning materials.
In light of the hazardous situation, local authorities advised residents in areas such as Erwitte-Völlinghausen to close windows and doors and turn off any air conditioning systems to avoid inhaling toxic smoke. The Sulzbach Fire Department took over the onsite operation, confirming that the truck was carrying ten different liquid and solid hazardous substances, including potentially flammable methanol.
The police issued a warning urging drivers to avoid the affected area, predicting lengthy road closures could last until at least midnight. "The fire is under control, but the situation is still serious due to the materials involved," the spokesman advised, reflecting the urgency of the operation.
Both directions of the A44 remain closed as crews continue to fight the lingering fire and conduct site assessments. As the incident unfolded, reports indicated that traffic chaos extended beyond the A44, with additional closures on the A3 in Duisburg and the A2 in Henrichenburg affecting over 321 kilometers of roadway across the state during peak commuting hours.
Emergency vehicle responders worked in tandem, not just from Anröchte but also from neighboring towns of Erwitte, Soest, Lippstadt, and Warstein, to contain the fire and manage the hazardous materials properly.
The local police department appealed to motorists via social media, stressing the importance of avoiding the area. "Please route around the area as large traffic jams are expected. Your safety and that of the residents nearby is our priority," they said.
Firefighters confirmed that numerous air quality measurements would be conducted to ensure public health safety. Authorities also stressed that anyone in the vicinity of the fire should avoid outdoor activities until the situation was fully resolved.
As evening approached, surveillance of the site continued, with additional personnel slated to arrive should the situation worsen. Emergency service leaders expect the operation to last several hours, with many of those initially responding to the incident still on deck as they tackle the complex challenges presented by the burning hazardous goods.
Situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, the A44 is a critical corridor for transportation, and such incidents remind motorists and residents alike to remain vigilant and heed safety warnings. With a considerable influx of traffic and industrial activity in the area, the implications of the fire reach far beyond immediate physical disruptions.
As authorities manage the aftermath, they remind communities to remain cautious around transport highways, particularly ones known for carrying hazardous materials. The events of March 21 could serve as a critical case study in the importance of emergency preparedness and rapid response efforts in the face of infrastructure incidents.
Further updates will follow as this story develops, with news services monitoring the situation in real-time.
