Bitumen leak on A23 motorway causes vehicle damage

During asphalt renovation work on the A23 motorway between Pinneberg Nord and Tornesch, a bitumen mixture leaked onto the active roadway on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The liquid spilled beyond the cordoned-off construction area, causing significant damage to several vehicles that had already passed through the site.

Following an initial cleaning, the motorway was briefly reopened, but subsequent rainfall caused further contamination, necessitating another closure that lasted until Sunday morning. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the leak and assessing potential environmental damage to the adjacent green strip.

The Elmshorn Highway and District Police (PABR) are conducting the investigation and are seeking witnesses. Drivers who may have sustained damage to their vehicles are urged to contact the highway precinct via telephone or email.