Heat collapse on the A60: chaos caused by broken down trucks and overheating!

Heat collapse on the A60: chaos caused by broken down trucks and overheating!

On June 14, 2025, there was sweaty traffic chaos on the A60 between the Rüsselsheimer triangle and Bischofsheim. A truck that broke down in the construction site area around 2:35 p.m. with gearbox damage caused massive traffic jams in the direction of Mainz. The temperatures climbed up to 35 degrees that day, which made the situation even more difficult for the trapped drivers. While they were stuck for over an hour, many drivers began calling police for help due to lack of water and the oppressive heat, as fr.de reported.

Some of the inmates suffered from attacks of weakness, which led to an alarm being sent to the Rüsselsheim fire department, which was notified at 3:20 p.m. Rescue workers explored the traffic jam area with off-road pickup trucks so that they could provide immediate support. The truck was located with the help of a police helicopter. Since the narrow construction site made it difficult for rescue workers to reach the site, a support train from the Groß-Gerau district was called in and provided cold drinks.

Hot situation for drivers

The heat and the fact that many cars had no air conditioning created an acute risk of overheating and dehydration. Numerous drivers were stuck in their vehicles while the fire department put forward a supply plan. The measures also included transporting people in need of medical assistance using two pickup trucks.

Emergency responders even prepared to evacuate people who showed signs of heat injury. Another problem arose: Some drivers tried to turn around or leave their cars on their own, which led to questions about the coordination with the emergency services. Ultimately, the truck was recovered faster than expected by a towing service who backed the truck out of the construction site. The stretch of road was finally reopened to traffic at 4:45 p.m., but not without motorists' concerns about the heat and the associated risks.

Heat and traffic safety

The incidents on the A60 highlight the dangers that high temperatures pose for car owners and drivers. According to an analysis by the DGUV, the interior temperature of vehicles can rise to up to 60 degrees Celsius in summer temperatures. Prof. Dr. Stefan Mangelsdorf and Dr. Kristina Meier emphasize that the summer heat also increases the number of accidents in traffic because the physical condition of drivers is impaired. There is also a certain risk to mental performance, which can make driving dangerous, as aug.dguv.de reports.

If you have signs of heat damage, such as fatigue, dizziness or headaches, you should definitely avoid driving and take regular breaks. Tips for managing the heat while driving include drinking refreshing beverages or preparing the vehicle before boarding to make the interior temperature more comfortable.