A major fire in Austria has resulted in significant traffic disruptions, especially affecting routes to Šentilj. The incident has led to the closure of the motorway between Villach and Salzburg, which has been in effect since Friday.
Details of the Accident
The cause of the closure was a serious collision involving a truck with a trailer. The driver crashed into a protective structure at the entrance of the Brentenberg tunnel, causing the vehicle to ignite. The truck was transporting empty packaging, which fueled a fierce blaze.
Impact of the Fire
- The fire completely destroyed the truck.
- High temperatures caused extensive damage inside the tunnel.
- Key infrastructure, such as lighting and fire safety systems, suffered serious impairments.
- Concrete at the entrance of the tunnel also experienced deterioration.
Traffic Woes in Slovenia
As a consequence of the motorway closure, Austrian authorities redirected heavy traffic through Graz. This adjustment has resulted in severe traffic delays in northeastern Slovenia, particularly on the Styrian motorway.
A significant traffic jam has formed, measuring approximately 12 kilometers between the Dragucova junction and the Šentilj border crossing. Drivers are facing considerable slowdowns, with complete standstills reported at times.
Safety Advisory for Drivers
In light of these challenging traffic conditions, authorities advise drivers to exercise caution. Motorists should maintain a safe distance and adhere to traffic signals. It is also recommended that passenger vehicle drivers consider alternative routes and check real-time traffic updates before traveling.
