German Highways Reopen After Fatal A7 Crash and Multi-Vehicle A42 Accident

Investigations continue into severe weather-related accidents that caused highway closures and highlighted ongoing traffic safety concerns.

A fatal accident on the A7 in Schwaben on March 25 involved a 51-year-old driver who lost control in poor weather and collided with a stationary truck, resulting in his death.
The truck had stopped to assist a 61-year-old driver whose car had skidded off the road due to heavy rain and hail; the 61-year-old sustained minor injuries.
On the same day, a separate multi-vehicle accident on the A42 near Duisburg-Nord left three people injured, including one with life-threatening injuries.
Both the A7 and A42 highways were closed for several hours for recovery operations but have since reopened, with the A42 closure lasting until 4:15 AM on March 26.
Authorities are investigating the role of adverse weather conditions and driver behavior in both incidents, underscoring broader concerns about road safety on German highways.