Katja Burkard stranded on Italian highway after empty tank

German RTL presenter Katja Burkard and her husband Hans Mahr ran out of fuel while driving from Florence toward Genoa. The car stopped on the highway between Pisa and Genoa, forcing them to activate their hazard lights and wait for assistance.

Burkard filmed the incident for her Instagram story, joking with her husband about the situation. The next fuel station was about two kilometres away, and with temperatures around 35 °C they waited roughly an hour before a tow truck arrived with gasoline. Police also attended the scene, and the couple later noted the incident cost them €148. They had snacks and six bottles of wine in the car, which kept them comfortable while they waited.

The episode was shared widely on social media, highlighting the couple’s humor and the practical challenges of a sudden fuel shortage on a summer road trip in Italy.