Drivers turned around

Massive traffic jam on A4 following truck accident continues

A serious collision involving three trucks has led to a partial closure on the A4. The result was a traffic jam stretching for several kilometers (stock photo).(Bild: APA/FRANZ NEUMAYR)

Although the large-scale operation following the truck accident near the Schwechat Airport exit concluded around 6 p.m., the impact on traffic remained severely felt well into the evening. Traffic had been backed up for miles on the A4 since noon. According to eyewitnesses, drivers in the traffic jam reportedly even turned around and drove back.

The airport area and the access roads toward Simmering and downtown Vienna were particularly affected. Although the traffic situation began to ease somewhat in the early evening, the all-clear was still far from being given. Traffic remained very heavy on several sections, with stop-and-go and slow-moving traffic continuing in some places.

A4 partially closed between Fischamend and the airport
The emergency medical helicopter “Christophorus 9” and an intensive care transport helicopter (ITH) were also called into action at noon. The A4 had to be closed in the area between Fischamend and Vienna-Schwechat Airport in the district of Bruck an der Leitha, ÖAMTC spokesperson Marc Römer reported.

Drink cans on the roadway
According to Ö3 Traffic Service, hundreds of scattered beverage cans lying all over the roadway following the serious accident caused additional chaos. The cargo has since been recovered, and a fire department recovery crane was also deployed.

The section of the A4 was closed for several hours.(Bild: ASFINAG Livestream)

In addition to the ongoing cleanup efforts, this was due to several simultaneous construction sites and lane closures along the route. Drivers are advised to take a wide detour: A detour is possible via the B9, for example, but traffic was also backed up there in the late afternoon.

Truck driver trapped in vehicle
According to police spokesperson Stefan Loidl, the closure of the A4 toward Vienna began around 11:50 a.m. He stated that a truck driver was likely trapped in the vehicle. No detailed information regarding injuries was available at this time.