Truck crashes into masts and distributes washing machines on A4

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Accident on the A4 near Erfurt

Photo: Martin Wichmann / dpa

A tractor-trailer with a trailer crashed into a mast with street signs on the Autobahn 4 near Erfurt.

The accident occurred around 1:00 a.m.

The 65-year-old driver was seriously injured and had to be freed from the driver's cab, as a police spokesman said.

High damage to property

For a previously unknown cause, he had strayed from the roadway with his truck in the area of ​​the central plank and crashed into the sign gantry.

Part of the load was distributed on the motorway - including washing machines.

The motorway was completely closed in both directions for two hours.

The accident resulted in property damage of at least 80,000 euros, the damage could possibly be even higher.

It is unclear whether the sign bridge is still strong enough, said a police spokesman.

An appraiser has to check that.

rai / dpa