Luxembourg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A broken-down truck caused a multi-vehicle accident involving three trucks this Wednesday morning, resulting in temporary closures on the E411 and E42 motorways. Authorities have since cleared the scene, and both motorways have been reopened to traffic.
A broken-down truck led to a collision involving three trucks on two major Belgian motorways
On Wednesday morning, a truck that had broken down on the E411 motorway near Namur quickly became the cause of a chain collision involving two other trucks on the same stretch. The incident caused significant disruptions, with the E411 and E42 motorways closed for several hours during emergency response and clearance operations.
According to Belgian traffic authorities, the accident occurred in the direction of Brussels during the peak traffic hours. Initial reports state that the driver of the first truck experienced mechanical failure and was stationary when the subsequent trucks, unable to avoid a collision, crashed into the vehicle ahead.
Accident Details and Response
The collision, involving three heavy goods vehicles, required immediate intervention from firefighters, police, and motorway maintenance teams. Emergency services arrived promptly, securing the site and providing medical attention where needed.
As reported by a spokesperson from the Federal Police, all drivers were assessed at the scene, with minor injuries reported by two individuals. There were no fatalities. The spokesman added, “The quick response helped prevent any escalation or further accidents.”
The crash caused severe traffic congestion, with delays extending several kilometres behind the accident site. Authorities implemented diversion routes and advised motorists to avoid the area during the cleanup operation.
Closure and Reopening of Motorways
Following the accident, both the E411 and E42 motorways underwent precautionary closures for safety assessments and to facilitate the removal of the damaged vehicles and debris. Maintenance crews worked alongside emergency responders to ensure the road was safe for reopening.
As of early afternoon, traffic management teams confirmed that the motorways were fully reopened to normal flow, restoring connectivity between Namur, Brussels, and Mons regions. Road users are encouraged to check traffic updates before travelling as residual delays may persist.
Causes and Prevention
Investigators from the Road Traffic Accident Unit are examining the exact cause of the initial truck breakdown leading to the accident. Mechanical failure is suspected, but further technical inspection is required to determine if maintenance lapses or external factors contributed.
Experts emphasise that broken-down vehicles pose substantial risks on busy motorways and stress the importance of rapid reporting and use of emergency signals to alert other drivers.
Impact on Commuters and Freight Transport
The incident caused significant disruption during a busy weekday morning, delaying commuter traffic and freight deliveries across the affected corridors. Logistics companies have expressed concern about the impact on supply chains, highlighting the vulnerability of motorway transportation to such accidents.
Brussels Times reporter Marie Dupont noted,
“The E411 and E42 are critical arteries for both daily commuters and commercial transport, making traffic incidents like these highly impactful.”
Authorities’ Appeals for Road Safety Vigilance
Road safety officials and police have reiterated calls for drivers to remain vigilant, particularly around stationary or broken-down vehicles. They advise using hazard lights promptly and maintaining safe stopping distances.
The Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport released a statement:
“We urge all motorway users to take extra care when approaching stationary vehicles and to report any road hazards immediately to the emergency services.”
The multi-truck accident caused by a broken-down vehicle on E411 highlights ongoing challenges in managing motorway safety amidst high traffic volumes. Authorities’ swift response ensured no severe casualties while reopening vital transport routes promptly. Ongoing investigations aim to provide clarity on the breakdown and prevent future occurrences.
