Major operation on the A3: Fire brigade fights against unknown liquid!

Major operation on the A3: Fire brigade fights against unknown liquid!

On the afternoon of September 23, 2025, a major fire department operation at the Ohligser Heide service area on the A3 caused a stir. A truck loaded with dangerous goods was briefly targeted by the police after a large amount of an unknown liquid leaked during a traffic stop. The lack of clarity about the substance made the emergency services sit up and take notice and several ambulances were called as a precaution. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the situation required immediate action.

Within a very short time, around 70 emergency services, including firefighters in chemical protection suits and heavy respiratory protection, were deployed to investigate the situation. A drone was even used to provide support from the air. The situation on site was serious as police officers were also potentially affected. The rest area was cleared and cordoned off as a precaution.

Analysis of the liquid

Thanks to the fire department's quick response, samples of the potentially dangerous liquid were analyzed in a special vehicle. The result came as a surprise to everyone involved: it was just contaminated water. The emergency services then absorbed the liquid with binding agents and organized the removal of the truck.

The major operation lasted until late afternoon. The fire department was able to scale back operations at 4:45 p.m., but that wasn't the only day on which the fire department was called upon. This year in particular, emergency services were often confronted with incidents involving hazardous substances. A recent report shows that the number of accidents involving fuel tanks has remained consistently high in recent years. In 2023, there were a total of 208.9 accidents in this area and 662.5 involving manure, manure or silage seepage - the numbers are alarming and illustrate the importance of the fire brigade's prevention and training measures( Destatis ).

Exercises and preparations

In order to be best prepared for such scenarios, large-scale exercises take place regularly. For example, on June 13, 2025, an exercise was carried out in a chemical company in Lehrte. Around 120 emergency services were involved in dealing with a fictitious leak of hazardous substances. A forklift had cut through a stainless steel container containing hydrochloric acid, causing a massive deflagration. Participants had the opportunity to put their equipment and preparedness to the test( Taught News ).

With its proactive approach, the Cologne fire department shows that it is always prepared to react quickly in emergency situations. The events on the A3 are an impressive example of the fact that cooperation between the various emergency services and preparatory measures for today's dangers are essential. A good hand and the right training are the key to ensuring the safety of the population.