Deadly crash on Nibelungenstraße leaves one dead amid B47 road closure
A fatal crash occurred on Nibelungenstraße in Lautertal-Elmshausen on Thursday, 5 February, around 4 p.m. A 68-year-old man died at the scene after his car collided with another vehicle and struck a wall. The incident comes as the nearby B47, a major used car route, remains closed due to a landslide earlier that day.
The driver was travelling along Nibelungenstraße when his vehicle suddenly veered into oncoming traffic. It hit another car before crashing into a wall. Emergency services attempted resuscitation immediately, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether his death resulted from crash injuries or an unrelated medical issue. The investigation into the cause of the accident is still underway. Meanwhile, the extent of damage to the vehicles and property remains under assessment.
The crash happened as the B47 through Lautertal-Elmshausen stays fully closed after a landslide on the same day. Repairs are expected to take several weeks, causing ongoing delays on diversion routes. Police and the Hessian Road Traffic Authority advise motorists to use the B3 via Bensheim–Heppenheim or the B460 through Mörlenbach–Rimbach. Drivers are also urged to check navigation apps for live updates to avoid congestion.
The fatal collision adds to disruptions in the area, with the B47 closure forcing traffic onto alternative routes. Authorities continue to probe the circumstances of the crash while urging caution on busy detours. Further updates on the investigation and roadworks are expected in the coming days.
