A large-scale emergency response is underway after a truck trailer caught fire inside the Engelbergtunnel on the A81 near Leonberg (Böblingen district) on Tuesday afternoon. Police have closed the tunnel in both directions, and motorists are advised to avoid the area. The initial alarm was raised due to a burning truck trailer in the tunnel bore heading toward Stuttgart.
Dark plumes of smoke were visible from a distance. According to police, the fire is now extinguished, but extensive after-work is ongoing. The city of Leonberg reported that at its peak, 28 fire engines and 170 firefighters were deployed to the scene.
Two People Hospitalized with Smoke Inhalation
The fire was reported around 2:20 PM. Police stated the truck trailer was carrying refrigerators. Both truck drivers sustained minor to moderate injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.
Autobahn GmbH: Vehicle Removal Ongoing
The fire was brought under control around 3:20 PM and subsequently extinguished. The tunnel was initially ventilated by the city of Leonberg and then handed over to the Autobahn GmbH. The Westbore has sustained significant damage, with initial inspections revealing substantial concrete spalling on the tunnel ceiling. The tunnel control and fire alarm system cabling in the area has also been damaged.
The removal of the burned vehicle is expected to continue into the evening, as the burned refrigerators must be loaded individually, according to the Autobahn GmbH. The Autobahn GmbH aims to reopen the bore in the direction of Heilbronn as quickly as possible. Experts are examining the condition of the tunnel, a spokesperson told SWR on Tuesday evening.
The tunnel will remain fully closed in both directions for the time being. It is not yet possible to say when the closure will be lifted until safety inspections have been completed.
Witnesses Report Explosions
Mobile phone videos taken at the scene and provided to SWR captured loud explosions. “Over several minutes, a total of six to eight explosions were clearly audible,” reported SWR listener Stephan Faulhaber, who observed the fire shortly after it broke out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the closure of the A81?
The A81 was closed in both directions due to a fire involving a truck trailer inside the Engelbergtunnel near Leonberg.
Were there any injuries?
Two truck drivers sustained minor to moderate injuries and were taken to a hospital with smoke inhalation.
When is the A81 expected to reopen?
The tunnel remains closed in both directions, and the Autobahn GmbH has not yet provided a timeframe for reopening, pending safety inspections.
As crews work to secure the tunnel and assess the extent of the damage, the A81 closure will undoubtedly cause significant disruption for commuters and freight traffic. What impact will this closure have on regional travel patterns?
