Overview
- A van loaded with gas cylinders caught fire on the A1 near Stuckenborstel early Friday and an oxygen cylinder exploded, sending debris across all lanes.
- The driver left the vehicle unhurt and emergency crews brought the blaze under control by about 07:00 before fully extinguishing it.
- Firefighters initially fought the fire from a safe distance because the load included gas canisters and an approximately 600-liter oxygen tank.
- The blast damaged a noise barrier and sprayed wreckage onto the opposite carriageway, forcing a temporary full closure of the A1.
- Police have opened an investigation that currently points to a suspected technical defect, and responders said a poorly formed Rettungsgasse slowed emergency access, raising concerns about road safety and hazmat transport rules.