Serious rear-end collision on the A5 near Bruchsal – driver trapped in the small truck

Serious rear-end collision on the A5 near Bruchsal – driver trapped in the small truck

On Tuesday evening, April 1, 2025, a serious rear-end collision occurred on the federal highway 5, about one kilometer after the Untergrombach emergency exit in the direction of Bruchsal. At around 6:54 p.m. there was a collision between a van and a truck, which had serious consequences. The driver of the van was seriously injured in the impact and had to be freed from his vehicle using a hydraulic rescue device. The driver of the truck was uninjured but was examined as a precaution.

The Bruchsal fire department had to contend with an inadequately formed rescue lane when approaching the scene of the accident. Despite these difficulties, the fire-fighting team was able to reach the scene quickly. A rescue helicopter and several ambulances were also deployed to rescue the seriously injured driver. After initial treatment, the driver was flown by rescue helicopter to a nearby clinic.

Rescue and recovery

Other occupants of the van also suffered injuries in the accident. A passenger was taken to hospital after receiving first aid. The fire brigade not only had to rescue the vehicle occupants, but also ensure that large amounts of operating fluids that spilled onto the road were removed as quickly as possible. This was done by spreading a binding agent, followed by a specialist company being commissioned to wet clean the road.

The motorway had to be completely closed during the rescue work, which led to significant traffic delays until the evening hours. The fire brigade's operation lasted until 8:17 p.m. and involved around 35 firefighters under the direction of deputy fire brigade commander Andreas Kroll.

Cause of accident and safety statistics

The exact cause of the accident is currently unknown and police have begun an investigation. Road accidents are a serious problem in the EU; Every year thousands of people lose their lives or are seriously injured. According to a European Parliament report, road deaths fell by 36 percent between 2010 and 2020, but road safety remains a challenge in many regions.

In order to increase safety on the roads, it is crucial that road users show consideration and create a functioning emergency lane in an emergency. Traffic accident statistics show that younger people and men in particular are disproportionately involved in accidents, which indicates that targeted prevention measures are necessary.

The incidents on Autobahn 5 in Bruchsal illustrate the urgency of these measures. The serious accident, which called numerous rescue workers to the scene, underlines the importance of a consistent traffic and safety culture on German roads.

For more information you can view the details of the incident Fireworld as well as BNN read up. Statistics on road accidents in the EU can be found on the website European Parliament.