Two significant accidents marred the A4 Autostrada on the afternoon of December 18, 2024, leading to serious traffic disruptions as emergency services responded swiftly to the incidents.
The first accident took place just before 15:30 near Agrate Brianza, when at least one heavy vehicle was involved. The operational center of the regional emergency agency responded by dispatching two ambulances, a medical car, and the air rescue team under code red, along with firefighters and the highway police.
Reports indicated at least two individuals sustained injuries; these included two men aged 44 and 45. Traffic was heavy, with sporadic reports of congestion stretching up to eight kilometers along the A4, particularly between Cormano and Agrate, as noted by Autostrade for Italy.
Just minutes later, at 15:45, the situation escalated with the occurrence of a second accident, also heading toward Venice. This incident involved another vehicle, which reportedly overturned. Yet another ambulance was sent to the scene under similar urgent conditions. The second accident involved two more individuals: a 27-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man. Fortunately, none of the four individuals remained at grave risk from their injuries.
Subsequently, traffic conditions deteriorated significantly. By around 16:00, eight kilometers of congestion had materialized, seriously impacting evening commuters. The pressure increased as people returned home, particularly those traveling from Bergamo, where lengthy delays were anticipated.
The second accident occurred along the A4 between Sesto San Giovanni and Agrate, where three heavy vehicles were reported to have crashed. Authorities were able to manage the scene using two lanes of the motorway, yet the scale of the disruption necessitated the urgent presence of the police and other emergency services to oversee traffic management.
While two of the accidents drew swift responses from emergency services, the notable coordination from the highway police and regional agencies to restore safety became apparent. The situation exemplified the challenges faced by emergency teams but also the importance of rapid intervention on busy roads.
Authorities advised drivers to maintain high alert levels and explore alternative routes to avoid lengthy waits. Observers noted the impressive efficiency of the medical teams and highway patrols as they worked to clear the roads and return normalcy to the busy routes of northern Italy.
By around 18:00, traffic conditions eased significantly as recovery efforts were completed and roads reopened fully. The resilience showcased by emergency response teams no doubt played a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of these unfortunate incidents.
Both accidents raise awareness about the necessity for caution when traveling on major highways, especially with heavy vehicles involved. Motorists are reminded to stay alert and avoid distractions to mitigate the risk of similar occurrences.
