Two truck fires cause traffic jams on A1 near Unna and A2 near Herten
Two lorries caught fire on major German motorways early this morning. The incidents caused significant disruption, with full closures on the A2 near Herten and temporary blockages on the A1 near Unna. Cleanup efforts are still underway on one stretch, leading to ongoing delays for drivers.
The first fire broke out on the A1 close to Unna. A lorry carrying paper ignited on the hard shoulder, forcing a full shutdown of the lane heading toward Cologne. Investigators later confirmed a technical defect as the cause. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, one lane was reopened to traffic.
On the A2 between Gelsenkirchen-Buer and Herten, another truck—this one loaded with baked goods—burned completely. The flames destroyed the vehicle and scattered its contents across the road. Authorities have fully closed this section of the motorway for cleanup, warning that the shutdown may last until midday. Traffic on the opposite lane has also slowed due to the incident. Reports have not named the driver of the A2 truck. The same applies to the earlier A1 fire, where details about the driver remain unspecified.
The A2 remains closed in both directions, with delays expected for several more hours. Drivers are being advised to seek alternative routes. On the A1, one lane has reopened, but residual congestion continues to affect travel near Unna.
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