Status: 27.10.2023, 18:40 PM
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Emergency services help those affected by a mass pile-up on the 81 motorway. © Damian / EinsatzReport24/dpa
Maybe it was the blinding sun, maybe it was the fog. Within a short time, dozens of cars drive on and into each other on the Autobahn 81 near Untergruppenbach. Numerous people are slightly injured, some have to endure traffic jams.
Untergruppenbach - Dented bonnets, demolished bumpers, loose tires lie scattered on the asphalt next to paint splinters and broken glass: In several mass pile-ups on the highway near Heilbronn, dozens of vehicles collided at a total of 17 different accident sites on Friday afternoon. According to police, a total of 85 vehicles were involved on the motorway section between Untergruppenbach and Ilsfeld (Heilbronn district). At least one person suffered serious injuries, more than 30 others suffered minor injuries.
According to the police, a total of 113 people were involved in the numerous accidents. For those affected or those waiting in traffic jams, a bus service was set up to Untergruppenbach, where they were served in a hall.
The motorway was completely closed after the serial accidents, and traffic was diverted. It accumulated considerably over a length of up to 25 kilometres. A rescue helicopter was deployed. A police helicopter also took to the air to take an overview of what was happening.
Why there were rows of accidents was initially unclear, according to police. "We are now taking care of those affected and caring for the people," said a police spokeswoman. Efforts are being made to reopen the important motorway connection as soon as possible. "But it may have been due to the weather," the spokeswoman said. "We'll have to check that first." According to several media outlets, those involved in the accident also reported that they had been blinded by the sun, and fog had suddenly appeared. Dpa