Waltenhofen/Kempten – A serious traffic collision occurred on a Bavarian federal highway on Saturday evening, February 21st. One vehicle was almost completely destroyed, and multiple people sustained injuries.
Update, 10:30 AM – Police Report
Police Schwaben Süd/West press release in full: On Saturday evening, around 6:00 PM, a severe traffic accident occurred on the B12 between Weitnau, and Hellengerst. A 36-year-aged driver lost control of his BMW for reasons currently unknown and collided head-on with an oncoming VW. Two of the four occupants of the VW sustained serious injuries, while the other two sustained minor injuries. The driver who caused the accident also suffered serious injuries.
All those involved were transported to nearby hospitals by emergency services. An expert has been commissioned by the public prosecutor’s office to determine the cause of the accident. Fire departments from surrounding communities were deployed for rescue and recovery operations. Over 100 emergency personnel were involved. The federal highway was fully closed for approximately four hours while the vehicles were recovered. A detour was set up by the fire department and the Autobahn GmbH. (Press release PP Schwaben Süd/West, VPI Kempten)
Initial Report:
Initial reports indicate the accident occurred around 6:00 PM on the B12 (Lindau – Kempten) between Weitnau and Waltenhofen in the Oberallgäu district (Bavaria). The cause of the head-on collision is still unknown. One of the vehicles was thrown off the road, while the other vehicle remained completely destroyed on the highway.
It was raining at the time of the accident. Emergency services responded to the scene with a large deployment. The volunteer fire departments of Weitnau, Waltenhofen, and Buchenberg had to extricate two people from their vehicle using heavy equipment. In addition to the firefighters, the ambulance service, several emergency doctors, two rescue helicopters (“Christoph 17” from Kempten and another from Reutte/Austria), and the police were on scene.
Emergency Services Deployed
Two other people involved in the accident had already left the wreckage on their own. A total of five people needed medical attention. Initial reports indicate at least two people were seriously injured, and three others sustained minor to moderate injuries. After receiving initial treatment at the scene, those involved were taken to nearby hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What road did the accident occur on?
The accident occurred on the B12 (Lindau – Kempten) between Weitnau and Waltenhofen.
What injuries were reported?
Two occupants of a VW were seriously injured, two sustained minor injuries, and the driver of the BMW also sustained serious injuries.
How long was the road closed?
The B12 was closed for approximately four hours while the vehicles were recovered.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what factors contributed to this serious collision and what measures may be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
