Tanker truck fire on A 81: major deployment for fire brigade and rescue workers!

Tanker truck fire on A 81: major deployment for fire brigade and rescue workers!

On the night of Monday to Tuesday, a dramatic incident occurred on the A81 between Empfingen and Sulz: a tanker truck that was transporting the harmful solvent toluene was almost completely burned out. The fire, which was extinguished around 8 p.m., not only posed a significant danger to the emergency services, but also to residents in the area. Over 300 firefighters, helpers from the German Red Cross, Maltese, THW and police officers were on site to bring the situation under control. The pumping of the unburned solvent was completed on Tuesday morning, while the affected section of the highway remains closed until further notice to complete the recovery work, which lasted until midday on Tuesday. Commander Dieter Eger was in charge of operations and actively monitored the situation together with the emergency services. The fire department also carried out measures to protect the environment by using fire-fighting foam to avoid environmental damage caused by fire-fighting water.

The exact cause of the accident is currently unclear, but it is suspected that the tanker swayed and overturned. Residents within a 15-kilometer radius received a warning and should keep all windows and doors closed. Burst also caused vegetation fires in the area, further complicating the situation. Measurements in the towns located in the direction of the wind confirmed that the load could not be measured outside the danger zone. Recently there have been reports of traffic jams caused by the closures on the A81, which forced many drivers to detour via country roads.

Similar incidents in the region

Such incidents are not new to the region and shed light on the dangers associated with the transport of chemical substances. A similar case occurred in October 2022 on the A1 near Cologne, where a truck leaked hydrochloric acid. The operation was extensive, as the fire brigade had to wear safety clothing and the emergency services were equipped with special protective suits. Here, the evaporation of the hydrochloric acid caused considerable odor nuisance, although no damage to health could be determined. In this case too, extensive measures were taken to avert danger.

The dangers posed by chemicals should not be underestimated. Experts from the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance emphasize the importance of taking all such substances seriously. Around 310 million tons of dangerous goods are transported in Germany every year, with around 148 million tons being transported by road. Despite high safety standards, reportable incidents involving hazardous substances continue to occur in Germany.

Public safety and education

The incidents surrounding the transport of dangerous goods make it clear: education and preventative measures in civil protection are essential. Transporting chemicals is an everyday reality that poses a huge safety risk. In this context, it is important that the population is informed and knows how to behave in such situations. The Federal Office provides information materials in order to identify and avoid possible dangers at an early stage.

It remains to be hoped that affected residents and commuters will be able to minimize such incidents in the future through preventative measures to ensure safety for everyone. The increasing number of chemical transports requires a watchful eye and comprehensive protective measures.