Milk truck overturns on the A215 – motorway near Kiel closed for hours

According to police, the recovery of the vehicle was complex. Because larger quantities of diesel leaked from the truck's tank, the fire service had to decontaminate the accident site and bind the spilled operating fluids. The carriageway remained closed for the duration of the cleaning work.

The amount of property damage caused and the exact cause of the accident are still being investigated. Based on initial inquiries, police assume that a health problem of the driver or a driving error may have triggered the accident. A final report is not yet available.

Commuter route A215 under particular strain

The A215 connects the Schleswig-Holstein state capital Kiel with the Neumünster area and is one of the most important commuter routes in the state. On Tuesday afternoon and evening, traffic backed up along the diversion routes through the surrounding area. Commuters had to expect delays of more than an hour in some cases.

Residents of Mielkendorf and along the diversion routes reported a noticeably increased volume of traffic. The municipality lies directly on the A215 between Kiel and Bordesholm and is therefore regularly affected by closures. Police thanked those affected for their patience.

Investigations into the cause of the accident ongoing

The spilled diesel also caused additional work. In addition to the cleaning work, staff from the responsible environmental authority checked the ground for possible contamination. Initial samples are to be analysed in the coming days.

Police announced that they would reconstruct the course of the accident with an expert and, if necessary, interview further witnesses. Until the investigation is concluded, the exact amount of damage to the truck and the carriageway remains unclear. Following its reopening, the A215 is fully accessible again without restrictions.