Tragedy prevented

Unknown individuals set up death trap on highway

The incident occurred on the A281 in the direction of the A27 between the Strom and Seehausen junctions.(Bild: Polizei Bremen, Krone KREATIV)

During the night of Saturday, unknown persons parked a semi-trailer on Highway 281 near the German city of Bremen in such a way that all lanes were blocked. The public prosecutor's office and police are investigating attempted murder.

At around 2 a.m. on Sunday, emergency services secured a black, unloaded semi-trailer on the A281 that was positioned across both lanes and the hard shoulder, completely blocking the highway. As there was no load on the trailer, the obstacle was difficult to see in the dark.

Truck driver warned following traffic
Several vehicles had already stopped behind the semi-trailer. A 64-year-old truck driver reported that he only noticed the trailer at the last moment and was only able to prevent a collision by immediately applying the emergency brakes. He then reversed his vehicle a few meters to warn other road users.

"Deliberately placed"
The Bremen police classify the incident as extremely dangerous and are investigating it as attempted murder. Police spokesman Nils Matthiesen told Bild: "The black, unloaded trailer was not placed on the road by an accident, but deliberately positioned on the highway in several steps. This requires a powerful tractor unit; a normal vehicle is not sufficient."

Further investigations are ongoing. Witnesses are asked to report to the Bremen police station.