Five Injured in Bus Accident on A24

A serious traffic incident occurred on the A24 motorway in the district of Herzogtum Lauenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, resulting in injuries to five individuals, one of whom sustained serious injuries. The bus involved was part of a replacement service due to the closure of the train route between Hamburg and Berlin.

According to police reports, the bus lost control near Schwarzenbek for reasons that are currently unclear. It veered off the road, spun around, and came to a halt perpendicular to the traffic lanes. In the process, the articulated bus breached the central barrier.

The 34-year-old bus driver was reported to be seriously injured, while four of the twelve passengers on board suffered minor injuries. All injured parties were transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

Eyewitness accounts from a motorist traveling behind the bus indicated that the vehicle had begun to sway before the accident occurred. When the motorist attempted to provide first aid, he found the bus driver unconscious and, along with other bystanders, assisted in evacuating him from the vehicle. The twelve passengers, including those with minor injuries, managed to exit the bus without assistance.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. They are looking into whether the bus driver experienced any health issues prior to the incident. A mechanical failure of the bus has not been ruled out at this stage.

Following the accident, the A24 was initially closed in both directions. Approximately one hour later, the lane heading towards Berlin was reopened, although the left lane remained blocked due to the bus's position extending over the median strip. The full closure in the Hamburg direction lasted until noon.

This incident is part of a broader context, as a replacement bus service has been in operation since the beginning of the month due to extensive renovations on the Hamburg-Berlin railway line.