Numerous Accidents in Hesse Due to Icy Roads - Germany paralyzed as heavy snow triggers chaos on roads and highways
Heavy snowfall has caused widespread traffic chaos across several German states in late January 2026. Multiple accidents, road closures, and school shutdowns have been reported, with Hesse among the worst-affected regions. Authorities confirm no serious injuries so far, but icy conditions continue to disrupt travel.
Since early morning, drivers in Hesse have faced hazardous conditions. A car skidded off State Road L 3179 in Steinau an der Straße, landing in a ditch. Near Obertshausen, another vehicle slid into a ditch on the A3 motorway. A jackknifed truck also blocked the on-ramp toward Würzburg on the same motorway, causing delays.
On Federal Highway 45 near Rodgau, collisions were reported, while a road sign was knocked over on Federal Highway 448 close to Lämmerspiel. Minor accidents added to the disruption in Seligenstadt, Maintal, and Nidderau. Many vehicles were found abandoned in lanes or stuck in ditches due to the slippery roads.
The problems extend beyond Hesse. Bavaria (Franconia), Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Thuringia, Berlin, and Brandenburg have all seen heavy snowfall. Schools closed in many areas, and bus services failed to run as scheduled.
The snowfall has left roads treacherous, forcing drivers to navigate with extreme caution. While no major injuries have been recorded, the ongoing icy conditions mean further delays and accidents remain likely. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as disruption spreads across multiple states.
