A7 motorway closed near Kaltenkirchen after two accidents

The A7 motorway is facing a full closure in the direction of Hamburg between Bad Bramstedt and Kaltenkirchen following two consecutive accidents involving heavy transport vehicles.

The first incident occurred around 1:40 a.m. when a passenger car collided with an escort vehicle accompanying a heavy transport. Authorities believe fatigue was the cause, and a criminal investigation into endangering road traffic has been initiated against the 46-year-old driver.

Shortly after, a 40-ton truck collided with the heavy transport vehicle. Investigators also cite driver fatigue as the likely cause for this second collision. The 34-year-old driver of the truck sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.

The closure affects the motorway from Kaltenkirchen toward Hamburg and has also prevented access from the Bad Bramstedt junction, as additional heavy transports are unable to proceed. Recovery and cleaning operations are ongoing.