Over 60 Accidents Reported in Brandenburg as Icy Roads Disrupt Morning Commute

Severe winter weather conditions led to widespread traffic disruptions and numerous accidents across Brandenburg, as icy roads created hazardous driving conditions for commuters. Authorities reported more than 60 traffic incidents related to slippery surfaces, with the majority resulting in property damage.

According to police sources, ten individuals sustained injuries due to accidents caused by icy roads. Most incidents occurred during the early hours, coinciding with peak commuter traffic. The combination of untreated side roads and sudden temperature drops contributed to the treacherous conditions, hindering both private vehicles and public transportation.

Public transportation services were significantly affected in several regions of Brandenburg. In response to the dangerous road conditions, bus operations were suspended in multiple districts. Police noted that certain slopes and bridges became impassable due to the accumulation of ice, particularly on routes that had not yet been treated by municipal winter services.

On the Hohensaaten-Friedrichsthal waterway, icebreakers were deployed toward Schwedt in the Uckermark district to maintain safe passage for ships. This proactive measure aimed to minimize disruptions to waterborne commerce and ensure continued navigation despite the harsh weather.

The Autobahn 10 near Oberhavel experienced two significant accidents overnight. Separate lorries lost control within minutes of each other between the Mühlenbeck and Birkenwerder interchanges, crashing through guardrails and coming to rest in roadside ditches. Fortunately, neither driver was injured in these incidents.

Elsewhere, a motorist near Werder (Havel) in Potsdam-Mittelmark crashed into a traffic sign after attempting to drive on summer tyres. Police initiated a fine procedure against the driver for failing to use appropriate winter equipment. On the B5 highway in the direction of Nauen, police responded to the emergence of large potholes, where fragments of asphalt detached from the roadway, causing vehicle damage.

Authorities reiterated warnings against venturing onto frozen bodies of water, emphasizing the risks associated with unstable ice surfaces. In addition, the potential for roof avalanches posed further dangers in some areas, as city officials in Spremberg highlighted the risk of falling snow and ice from rooftops.

By late morning, temperatures began to rise, initiating a thaw that gradually alleviated the most severe road conditions. The German Weather Service lifted its weather warning after 10:00 a.m., as the threat of widespread ice diminished. However, officials urged continued caution, particularly in areas where roads remained untreated or where ice might persist in shaded locations.

The rapid onset of winter weather underscored the importance of proper vehicle maintenance and the need for timely responses from both drivers and municipal services. As conditions improve, authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise residents to remain vigilant against lingering hazards.