A serious traffic accident occurred on Autobahn 61 Sunday evening, February 1st, resulting in the complete closure of the roadway.
According to the fire department, the incident took place in the direction of Venlo, between the Bergheim-Süd and Bergheim interchanges. A rescue helicopter was deployed to the scene.
Fire Department Issues Urgent Appeal
Police report three fatalities – two adults and one child – according to the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger. The accident involved two vehicles.
Reports indicate a car left the roadway to the left around 7:30 PM for reasons currently unknown, colliding with a concrete barrier and coming to rest across the lanes of traffic.
A following minibus, unable to brake in time, then collided with the car. Three people were in the car; the two adults were trapped inside. The child was ejected from the vehicle. All three died at the scene.
Two people were in the minibus and sustained serious injuries, requiring transport to nearby hospitals by helicopter.
Shortly after the accident, a fire department spokesperson issued an urgent appeal on the Bergheim Fire Department’s Facebook page: “Do not drive onto the Autobahn in the affected area!”
A significant traffic jam formed as a result of the accident, extending as far as Kerpen. Police later began reversing traffic flow off the Autobahn to alleviate the congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the accident occur?
The accident occurred on Autobahn 61 in the direction of Venlo, between the Bergheim-Süd and Bergheim interchanges.
How many people were killed in the accident?
Three people died in the accident: two adults and one child.
What did the fire department advise motorists to do?
The fire department advised motorists not to drive onto the Autobahn in the affected area.
How might such a tragic event impact traffic patterns and emergency response protocols in the region going forward?
