Cottbus (dpa/bb) – A car transporter was engulfed in flames on the A15 motorway near Cottbus, leading to significant disruption and extensive damage. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, resulted in the complete destruction of both the truck and the vehicles it was carrying, according to a police spokesperson.
Highway A15 Closed Towards Berlin
The A15 motorway was closed in the direction of Berlin following the fire. Authorities indicated that the closure was expected to be lifted during the night. The incident caused considerable traffic congestion, with queues stretching for several kilometers on the highway.
Emergency Services Respond, No Injuries Reported
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the driver of the truck managed to escape to safety in time. The rapid response of the emergency services helped to contain the fire, though the extent of the material damage was substantial.
Estimated Damage in Six Figures
Investigators have estimated the damage caused by the fire to be in the six-figure range. The precise cause of the transporter catching fire remains unclear at this time, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Impact on Traffic and Future Investigations
The closure of the A15 had a significant impact on traffic flow in the region for several hours. While the highway was expected to reopen overnight, the incident highlights the potential for severe disruptions caused by such events. Further details regarding the cause of the fire are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Source: https://berliner-abendblatt.de/berlin-news/autotransporter-auf-autobahn-ausgebrannt-id343951
