A serious pile-up on the A9 Autobahn near Schleiz, Thuringia, occurred on December 26, causing significant injuries and traffic disruptions. The dramatic incident took place around 8:55 AM, involving eleven vehicles and leaving multiple people injured.
According to reports from the autobahn police, the adverse weather conditions were the primary cause of the mass collision. Fog and low sun blinded drivers just before the accident. Drivers on all three lanes were reportedly caught off guard as they crested the hill, leading to emergency braking and, unfortunately, subsequent rear-end crashes.
The collision resulted in injuries to three individuals, including a 12-year-old girl who sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital by rescue helicopter. Her 16-year-old sister and her 49-year-old father were also injured but suffered only minor injuries, transported by ambulance for treatment.
The authorities estimated property damage from the accident to be around 200,000 euros. The effects of the accident were felt along the Autobahn for much of the morning, with the road closed completely until around noon. Traffic was diverted at the Schleiz exit, causing delays for motorists during the busy post-holiday period.
This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under poor weather conditions. Authorities have urged drivers to remain vigilant during winter months, especially when faced with fog and low light conditions.
The roadways are now clear and have been reopened to traffic, but the incident highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols and remaining cautious on the roads. Officials have emphasized the need for greater awareness of weather conditions to prevent such accidents from happening again.
This incident marks one of the more severe traffic accidents on the A9, which connects key regions of Germany. With eleven vehicles involved, the scale of the accident is particularly concerning. Thankfully, quick responses from emergency services, including the helicopter transport for the severely injured girl, ensured prompt medical attention for those affected.
With winter weather taking hold, motorists are reminded to adjust their driving behavior according to road conditions. Reports from the scene suggested visibility issues prior to the collision, reiteratively calling for heightened alertness.
Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, examining whether additional safety measures can be implemented to protect drivers from similar incidents in the future. The hope is to see improvements not only on this stretch of the A9 but across road networks as winter progresses.
