Heavy transport with crane overturns on A2 near Bergkamen – highway fully closed

The driver of the heavy transport and his passenger were taken to a hospital for observation after the accident. According to initial findings by the emergency services, there is no danger to their lives. Further details about their health condition were not initially released.

Consequences for the autobahn: Closure and diversions

In addition to recovering the vehicle, the emergency services must also clean up spilled operating fluids. As the fire department announced, hydraulic oil and diesel leaked from the crashed transporter. To contain the environmental impact, appropriate protective measures were initiated.

Environmental damage: Spilled hydraulic oil and diesel

An adjacent body of water is also believed to be affected, according to the assessment of the emergency services: the Seseke, a tributary of the Lippe that flows near the accident site, has been included in the containment measures. Specialist teams are checking whether pollutants have entered the waterway and will take further protective steps if necessary.

The heavy transport was, according to current information, travelling from Oberhausen toward Hannover. Why the transporter left the carriageway is so far unclear. Police have opened an investigation into the cause of the accident. Property damage to the vehicle and the road surface is estimated to be in the six-figure range.

Investigation into the cause of the accident

The entire stretch between the Kamen and Bergkamen junctions has been impassable since the early morning hours. Traffic is being diverted over a wide area, and the diversion routes are heavily congested according to police. Travellers heading toward Hannover should allow more time or use alternative routes.

Emergency services on site: Fire department and recovery specialists

Operations commander Markus Große of the fire department emphasised that the safety of the emergency services is the top priority. Because of the size and weight of the crashed heavy transport, a particularly cautious approach is necessary, which is why the recovery is taking longer than initially expected. The autobahn can only be reopened after full clearance by the recovery experts.

The A2 is one of Germany's most important east-west connections, linking the Ruhr area with Hannover and Berlin. Closures on this route have a cross-regional impact on freight traffic and travel. Haulage companies were informed by police about the closure so that they can adjust their routes at an early stage.