Flood on a motorway due to an overflow of diesel during a complete lockdown
Last night, at around 0:45, a significant accident occurred on the A4 motorway in the district of Mittelsachsen, involving a semi-trailer truck. The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, 30 August 2025.
The driver of the semi-trailer, a 55-year-old individual, remained uninjured in the accident. However, the truck overturned, spilling diesel and engine oil onto the road. As a result, the A4 motorway in the direction of Erfurt remains closed, causing severe traffic disruptions in the Mittelsachsen area.
Firefighting units from Obersuhl, Richelsdorf, Ronshausen, Bad Hersfeld, and Rotenburg are involved in the rescue and cleaning operation on the A4 towards Erfurt. The police expect the road to remain fully closed until around midday due to the ongoing recovery work and the need to secure and remove operating materials.
The accident occurred when the driver initially veered off the road before colliding with the guardrail. The semi-trailer then spun, overturned, and came to rest across the road. Special forces are on site for the recovery of the overturned semi-trailer truck.
The closure of the A4 is due to the leakage of diesel and engine oil from the overturned truck. Motorists in the Mittelsachsen area should expect severe traffic disruptions due to the closure of the A4. The reopening time of the A4 towards Erfurt is still uncertain, and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.
The recovery work is proving difficult, but efforts are being made to clear the road as quickly as possible. The police are urging motorists to follow the diversion signs and to exercise patience during this time.
This incident comes after a similar prior incident where the clearance and reopening of the road after a truck fire took about five hours. The stretch towards the Thuringian state capital remains completely closed due to the accident and clean-up efforts.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. Stay safe on the roads, and let's hope for a swift resolution to this unfortunate event.
