A man in his 20s has been left in critical condition following a severe vehicle accident on the E18 southbound early Thursday morning. The incident occurred between Hanekleivtunnelen and Løkentunnelen, leading to significant traffic disruptions in the area.
Emergency Response and Discovery
Police were alerted to the scene at 01:15 on Thursday after an e-call was triggered. Upon arriving at approximately 01:30, patrol officers discovered tire tracks leading off the roadway and a heavily damaged vehicle.
According to Espen Reite, operations leader for the Sør-Øst police district, a person was found outside the car. The man was conscious when emergency services arrived and received immediate first aid at the site.
Casualties and Traffic Impact
By 02:30, police confirmed that the man had been transported from the scene by ambulance. He is currently described as critically injured.
The accident resulted in the closure of the E18 southbound from Hanekleiva, specifically starting at exit 29. The closure was necessary to allow emergency crews to secure the area and manage the wreckage.
Investigation and Next Steps
The cause of the accident remains unclear at this time. Investigators have not yet determined why the vehicle veered off the road.
The accident analysis group from Statens vegvesen has been notified of the event. A possible next step may involve a detailed technical review of the tire tracks and vehicle damage to reconstruct the events leading up to the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly did the accident take place?
The accident occurred on the E18 southbound between Hanekleivtunnelen and Løkentunnelen.
What is the condition of the driver?
The driver, a man in his 20s, is described as critically injured.
Which part of the highway was affected by the closure?
The E18 southbound was closed from Hanekleiva, starting at exit 29.
How can automated emergency systems like e-calls further improve response times in rural tunnel zones?