A2 Toward Hanover Closed After Truck Fire and Plastic Spill Near Helmstedt

Overview

• - The A2 between Rennau and Königslutter toward Hanover remains fully closed, with traffic diverted at Rennau and long delays reported Thursday.
• - Overnight, a truck caught fire on the shoulder near Königslutter after a technical defect, and the driver was unhurt as firefighters put out the blaze.
• - Hours later in the tailback, a second truck hit another and spilled liquid plastic onto the roadway, lightly injuring the 19-year-old driver.
• - Liquid plastic can bond with asphalt, so police say the surface will likely be milled and repaved before the road reopens, which could slip into Friday.
• - Police estimate vehicle damage at about €250,000, and detour routes around the Helmstedt area are heavy as drivers and haulers face long waits.