On April 29, 2025, a major incident unfolded on the A7 highway near Pont-de-l'Isère in the Drôme region of France, causing significant disruption to traffic in both directions. A truck carrying hazardous materials, including paint, lubricant, and food flavoring extracts, caught fire after an accident around 4 AM, leading to blockages that affected thousands of motorists.
The fire was so intense that the truck broke in two on the highway. By 10:30 AM, operations were still underway to evacuate the wreckage, which had resulted in traffic being completely halted between Tain-l'Hermitage and Bourg-lès-Valence. Initially, traffic was only closed in the direction of Lyon to Marseille, but as firefighters assessed the situation, it became necessary to close the opposite lane as well to facilitate their response.
According to Vinci Autoroutes, diversion routes were quickly established, guiding drivers through alternate paths via the A46, A43, A48, and A49 to avoid the congestion. The closure impacted thousands of vehicles, with reports of traffic jams extending up to 20 kilometers.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the accident, which raised concerns about the nature of the truck's cargo. Initially, there were fears that the materials being transported were highly dangerous. However, Cyril Moreau, the secretary general of the Drôme prefecture, confirmed that the truck was primarily carrying paint, with no risk of pollution or toxic fumes affecting the nearby population. Air quality measurements taken within several hundred meters of the incident showed normal levels, alleviating public concern.
By around noon, the fire was extinguished, but firefighters remained on-site to cool down the remains of the truck to ensure it was safe for a crane to remove it. The heat from the blaze caused significant damage to the road surface, necessitating repairs. Vinci planned to close the southbound section again later that evening for these repairs.
As the situation developed, the Drôme prefecture announced that the highway would begin to reopen in stages. By 10:45 AM, one lane was reopened for traffic heading north towards Lyon, while the southbound lane remained limited to one lane open due to ongoing recovery efforts. Traffic was expected to be restored fully by the afternoon, with an estimated 100,000 vehicles anticipated on the highway the following day due to the May 1st holiday.
Vinci Autoroutes mobilized around 50 personnel to expedite the reopening of the highway under the best possible conditions. Despite the chaos caused by the fire, the authorities worked diligently to manage the situation and keep the public informed.
As of 1:30 PM, traffic resumed in both directions, but motorists were advised to expect continued delays as repairs were still being carried out. The incident, which began with an explosion that startled early morning travelers, turned into a logistical challenge for emergency services and highway management.
In conclusion, while the accident on the A7 caused significant disruption, the swift response from emergency services and highway authorities ensured that no injuries occurred and that traffic could be restored relatively quickly. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the challenges posed by transporting hazardous materials.
