A major motorway collapse in southwest Sweden has resulted in three people sustaining light injuries. The incident occurred overnight, causing significant damage to the motorway between Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, and Oslo, the capital of Norway. The collapse took place near the small town of Stenungsund, located approximately 50 kilometers north of Gothenburg on Sweden’s west coast.
According to a statement from the Gothenburg Rescue Services, the affected area of the landslide encompasses around 700 meters by 200 meters, with the hardest-hit parts measuring approximately 150 meters by 100 meters. The slide impacted not only the motorway but also several vehicles, a wooded area, a business area housing a gas station, and a fast food restaurant.
Thankfully, the rescue services were able to assist individuals trapped in vehicles within the slide area with the help of firefighting personnel and a helicopter. Swedish news agency TT reported that a number of cars and a truck had fallen into holes and cracks caused by the landslide, but all people within the vehicles have been successfully rescued.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the collapse, focusing on whether nearby construction work may be linked to the incident. The police have initiated a probe to determine if there is any connection between the blasting or construction activities in the vicinity and the landslide. It is worth noting that no individual is currently suspected of a crime in relation to the incident.
Moving forward, specialized personnel and search dogs will conduct a thorough search of the affected area. The Gothenburg Rescue Services have also warned that additional slides cannot be ruled out, emphasizing the need for caution and continued assessment of the situation.
This motorway collapse highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and stability of infrastructure projects. Investigations into the incident are crucial to understanding the causes and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. As authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage and ascertain responsibility, it is important to prioritize public safety and maintain transparency throughout the process.
The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with construction projects and the need for stringent safety protocols. By learning from this incident, stakeholders can actively work towards enhancing infrastructure resilience and minimizing the likelihood of such occurrences.
